The Nature and Function of Semantic Memory - Research Paper Example

?Language and Memory Paper Task: Language and Memory Paper Introduction Language is a vital aspect of human beings, which denotes the complexity of communication. Communication entails physical and psychology elements. To understand languages, it is vital to understand the components, which contribute to the formation of the language. The factors that contribute to language include semantic memory, which stores general facts on a long-term basis. Subsequently, it would be vital to analyze language production phases. This write up will analyze the functions of semantic memory, language production and the roles of language.  The Nature and Function of Semantic Memory One of the countless purposes of the brain is storage of information. The storage of information in this part of the body varies depending on the information and its purpose. The brain also contributes significantly to the speech of an individual. The brain coordinates the storage of information with the development of speech in an individual. Semantic memory contains general knowledge. Therefore, the details stored in this part of the brain relate to information that requires long-term storage. Examples of such information include the colour of the sky, the number of wheels in a motor cycle. Functional brain imaging has contributed significantly in the study of the brain. It has enabled doctors to have vital insight into the operations of the brain. The brain imaging technology enabled professionals in this sector to identify the two hemispheres of the brain and their roles in semantic memory. The identification of the role of these different hemispheres entailed examination of individuals who had one of their hemispheres damaged. There are two distinct attributes of the semantic memory, which include visual and functional attributes. Visual attributes entail form, size, colour and motion. Semantic memory is a vital aspect of the entire memory, which ensures that an individual has a certain form of knowledge. The knowledge relates to the long-term memory, which pertains to issues that we encounter constantly. The memory also contributes to the speech of an individual thus; an injury to this section of the brain would culminate in speech related difficulties (Thompson-Schill, 2003). Basic Functions of a Language Language is a vital aspect of human beings, which provides a means of relaying messages. Language denotes the human capacity to communicate in various manners. Communication through a language has become unique since other creature use sounds to communicate. However, human language denotes an organized pattern of phonetics and words that constitute a language. However, it is vital to note that communication is more complex. Hence, it does not only entail the language, but also includes body language and the intensity. Therefore, a language is a key aspect of human communication, and this write up will elaborate its core function. There are three core functions of languages. First, it is has an informative function. A language has the core duty of relaying information. This function largely reaffirms or denies assertions regarding facts. This functionality of language describes the truths about the world. The facts may relate to disciplines such as science or geography. Overall, this function relates to the truth, facts and logics. The second function of pertains to the expressive nature of languages. This function passes on the feeling or emotions of the speaker to the listeners. This is crucial since communication also entails expressing once feelings. Additionally, it also communicates once attitude towards the object that is the subject of the conversation. Literature is some of the means of expressing once feeling towards a matter. The final function of languages entails giving instructions. This function would entail commanding an individual to undertake a task. Language Production Language production denotes a comprehensive process, which transform an idea from its concept state to a linguistic form, which is spoken out. The process entails various stages in which the concept undergoes a transformation in the mind. Several models describe the various stages of language production. The models include the serial and ‘connectionist’ model. The models have identified various stages, which are relatively similar. The ‘connectionist’ model has four stages while the other model has several stages, which do not overlap. Each model has its own distinct features, which make it unique. However, the major stages in language production entail intended message, encoded message, motor system, and sounds form auditory system. The first stage entails thinking about what to say which entails the formation of a concept. Subsequently, the concept is encoded into a linguistic form. The linguistics form changes into a speech form in the motor system. Finally, the speaker speaks out form his auditory system by uttering words. The language production stages denote the stages, which precedes the utterance of words in a speech. The individual first thinks of an ideal, which undergoes various linguistic transformations prior to a speaker uttering words (Acheson & MacDonald, 2009). Relationship between Semantic Memory and Language Production The semantic memory stores information on a long-term basis. The information may pertain to certain facts that will hardly change. Injury to the semantic memory results in speech problem. Therefore, the semantic memory has a vital role in language problems. The impairing of the semantic memory culminates in a dysfunctional speech. The semantic memory stores information, which pertains to certain words. Therefore, its destruction culminates in the failure to of language production. The semantic memory stores the information, which allows the development of thoughts, which is the initial stage in language production. Inability to retrieve sounds culminates in an inability to develop thoughts which later changes into a linguistic form. Semantic memory and language production are key determinants of an individual’s speech capability. The latter, denotes the steps, which culminates in an individual altering words. Semantic memory stores information, which pertains to phonetics, which triggers language production (Martin & Chao, 2001). Conclusion Semantic memory is a vital component of the brain. Functional imaging has enabled medical researchers unearth the functions of this memory accurately. This memory supports language production considerably since it store information, which language production utilizes. Failure of the semantic memory would culminate in impaired speech. Language production is a multistage process, which converts thoughts into a linguist form that the speaker can utter. Language has several purposes, which include expressing feeling, ordering and reaffirming facts. References Acheson, D. & MacDonald, C. (2009) Verbal Working Memory and Language Production: Common Approaches to the Serial Ordering of Verbal Information. American Psychological Association, 135(1), 50–68. Martin, A. & Chao, L. (2001). Semantic memory and the brain: structure and processes. Current Opinion in Neurobiology, 11, 94–201. Thompson-Schill, L. (2003). Neuroimaging studies of semantic memory: inferring “how” from “where.” Neuropsychologia, 41, 280–292. Read More