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Related Concept Videos

Language01:16

Language

Language is a unique communication system that uses words and systematic rules to organize and transmit information. Unlike other forms of communication, which may involve postures, movements, odors, or vocalizations, language relies on symbols and grammar. This makes human communication distinct from that of other species, who also communicate but do not use language in the same way humans do.
Corballis and Suddendorf (2007) and Tomasello and Rakoczy (2003) highlight the role of language in...
Components of Language01:24

Components of Language

Language, whether spoken, signed, or written, consists of specific components: lexicon and grammar. The lexicon is the vocabulary of a language, comprising its words. Grammar is the set of rules used to convey meaning through the lexicon. For example, English grammar adds “-ed” to most verbs to indicate past tense. Words are formed by combining phonemes, which are the basic sound units of a language. Different languages have different sets of phonemes (e.g., “ah” vs. “eh”). Phonemes combine to...
Language and Cognition01:27

Language and Cognition

Language serves as a bridge between ideas and communication, influencing how individuals perceive and interact with the world. Psychologists have long debated whether language shapes thought or vice versa. This discussion gained grip with Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf in the 1940s, who proposed that language determines thought, a concept known as linguistic determinism. They suggested that the vocabulary and structure of a language influence how its speakers think and perceive reality.
Language Development01:22

Language Development

Children master language quickly and with relative ease, supported by both biological predisposition and reinforcement. B. F. Skinner (1957) proposed that language is learned through reinforcement, while Noam Chomsky (1965) argued that language acquisition mechanisms are biologically determined.
The critical period for language acquisition suggests that the ability to acquire language is at its peak early in life. As people age, this proficiency decreases. Language development begins very...
Higher Mental Functions of the Brain: Language01:10

Higher Mental Functions of the Brain: Language

Language is a system of communication that allows the expression of thoughts, ideas, and feelings. The brain processes language in both hemispheres.
Language formation and comprehension take place in the dominant hemisphere. The dominant hemisphere is responsible for understanding the meaning of spoken, written, or sign language, as well as the ability to communicate. For most people, the left hemisphere is the dominant one. The right hemisphere, then, gives tone and emotional context to the...
Lateralization01:28

Lateralization

Brain lateralization refers to the division of mental processes and functions between the two hemispheres of the brain, a phenomenon that optimizes neural efficiency and underpins complex abilities in humans. This specialization allows each hemisphere to perform tasks where it has a comparative advantage, facilitating more refined cognitive capabilities across different domains.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 8, 2026

Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effect of Induced Emotion on Grammar Learning
05:33

Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effect of Induced Emotion on Grammar Learning

Published on: January 29, 2020

On language.

S Pinker

    Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience
    |August 22, 2013
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    Steven Pinker is a cognitive scientist researching language and visual cognition. His work explores language learnability and cognitive development, with a new book on the language instinct forthcoming.

    Related Experiment Videos

    Last Updated: May 8, 2026

    Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effect of Induced Emotion on Grammar Learning
    05:33

    Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effect of Induced Emotion on Grammar Learning

    Published on: January 29, 2020

    Area of Science:

    • Cognitive Neuroscience
    • Psychology of Language

    Background:

    • Professor at MIT in Brain and Cognitive Sciences.
    • Director of McDonnell-Pew Center for Cognitive Neuroscience.
    • Extensive research in visual cognition and language psychology.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To outline the academic and research background of Steven Pinker.
    • To highlight his contributions to the fields of cognitive science and linguistics.
    • To announce his upcoming book, 'The Language Instinct.'

    Main Methods:

    • Review of academic and professional achievements.
    • Summary of research areas: visual cognition, language psychology.
    • Listing of published works and editorial roles.

    Main Results:

    • Established expertise in experimental psychology, visual cognition, and language psychology.
    • Authored significant books including 'Language Learnability and Language Development.'
    • Received multiple awards recognizing early career achievements and research contributions.

    Conclusions:

    • Steven Pinker is a distinguished figure in cognitive science and psychology.
    • His research significantly contributes to understanding language and cognition.
    • His upcoming book is highly anticipated in the field.