Animals exhibit vocal behavior within their species, but struggle understanding human speech because most animals appear to lack grammar. Because of this, scientists searched for nonhuman language capabilities in other primate species as they are closest to humans. Studies showed that monkeys have a wide range of vocal behavior that is specific to certain situations. Just before vocalizing, monkeys display changes in electrical potential in cortical areas homologous to human speech areas. 

Vocal behavior in nonhuman primates

Language acquisition and production

- Phoneme
- Morpheme
- Semantics
- Syntax
- Pragmatics

Basic elements of human language

University of Pittsburgh

University of Rochester

New York University

- Brain asymmetry and lateralization of function
- Spatial Cognition
- Language disorders
- Models describing Left-hemisphere language system
- Brain mapping of language
- Verbal behavior
- Reading skills; acquiring and impairment
- Recovering language function

Topics in Language and Lateralization

While originally it was thought that certain actions were completely done by one side of the brain over the other, it is now thought that each of the brain's hemispheres are specialized for certain functions and ways of working (lateralization). Although they may have these functions, both sides of the brain still work together to execute behaviors.

Brain Asymmetry and Lateralization of Function

Verbal Behavior

Models Describing Left-Hemisphere Language System

Brain Mapping of Language

The mental processes that deal with the spatial relationship among objects.

Spatial Cognition

Specialization of one cerebral hemisphere for a particular intellectual function

Cerebral Laterization

- The brain regrows and reorganizes anatomically after being injured
- Rehabilitation and retraining can help recovery from brain and spinal cord injury
- Common contact sport injuries

Recovering Language Function

- Brain damage may cause specific impairments in reading
- The effects of dyslexia on the brain

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