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Neurolinguistics (level 7)

Overview

  • Credit value: 30 credits at Level 7
  • Convenor and tutor: Professor Marjorie Lorch
  • Assessment: a 3500-4000-word essay (100%)

Module description

In this module we examine linguistic aspects of comprehension and production of speech through a neurolinguistic perspective which focuses on how language is represented in the brain. We will consider the nature of various components of language through evidence from the study of individuals with impairments in language, speech and communication. We will consider research from adults with acquired impairments, children with developmental disorders and from the perspective of monolingual and multilingual speakers. We will also consider how such evidence from language impairments contributes to our theoretical understanding of various aspects of applied linguistics.

Indicative syllabus

  • The anatomy of language  
  • The neuroscience of articulation, phonological processes and formation of utterances 
  • The neuroscience of auditory perception, processes, parsing and comprehension  
  • Neurolinguistic perspectives on the process of reading and writing  
  • The neural representation of multiple languages  
  • The neurolinguistic implications of deaf sign languages  
  • The relations between language and other cognitive faculties 

Learning objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

  • display and deploy knowledge and critical understanding of the aims, methods, concepts and theories relevant to neurolinguistics and their place within the wider study of human language
  • apply concepts and principles of neurolinguistics to new data or contexts
  • display knowledge of the main methods of enquiry in neurolinguistics and different approaches to solving problems in the field
  • use a range of established techniques to initiate and undertake critical analysis of information, and propose solutions to problems arising from that analysis
  • effectively communicate information, arguments and analysis in a variety of forms to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.