Semantic Memory and Language Production - Essay Example

Material from semantic memory gets used on a constant basis when we retrieve and use memories, rules and general information. The process of using semantic memory is rarely registered, and this store is relatively immune to effects of amnesia. Schacter (1996; in Galotti, 2007) provides evidence for the presence of a semantic store by using cases of individual with different kinds of amnesia. There are a number of theories about how Semantic memory is arranged. The hierarchical models assume that information is organized into categories that are linked to each other on the basis of their position in terms of the type of concept (Robinson-Riegler, & Robinson-Riegler, 2008).

Thus, table and chair would be particular instances that would be superseded by the category of furniture; while furniture would be a particular instance under the category of household goods. A number of studies that examine the human ability to abstract information have identified that people use these hierarchies as a matter of course (Robinson-Riegler, & Robinson-Riegler, 2008); and when they are exposed to multiple particular instances that are associated with a higher order principle; they often combine the provided information into an experience that includes the higher order principle as well. . As thoughts occur, this effect spreads through the network of nodes till we are able to retrieve the particular unit of information that we want.

Semantic memory is very closely linked to language. Most of the units stored in semantic memory are coded using some form of language; and are retrieved with cues that are coded in language as well. The use of complex language has been a significant aspect of individual human cognition as well as human societal experiences. The significance of language and the expanse of its use in human cognition is evident only when studying someone who is learning a new language; and the effort that goes into encoding, retrieval and use of a word is a conscious process.

Language use in human cognition has two characteristics – that it is systematic and productive (Robinson-Riegler, & Robinson-Riegler, 2008). The rules of grammar, including the phonemes, syntax, semantics and pragmatics make up the systematic nature of any language (Galotti, 2007). This grammar provides a logical structure that is followed in the development of sentences and larger texts. This includes the position of different parts of speech; the manner of combining them, and the necessary and sufficient conditions for different types of meaning structures.

When an individual uses language; they go through a number of unconscious processes. Perception of language occurs without conscious effort; and there is evidence for the fact that incoming sounds are processed categorically, and the possible meanings are made available for use (Robinson-Riegler, & Robinson-Riegler, 2008). As information gets processed; the most appropriate context is chosen and applied to the information. Research shows that people are able to select and reject