The Spoken Language and our Brain

• Author: Lacramioara Mocanu, Camelia Nicoleta Negut
• Position: Associate Professor, PhD, Danubius University of Galati, Romania/Student, Faculty of Communication and International Relations, Psychology, Danubius University of Galati, Romania
• Pages: 342-347

European Integration - Realities and Perspectives. Proceedings 2019

342

The Spoken Language and Our Brain

Lăcramioara Mocanu1, Camelia Nicoleta Neguț2

Abstract: One of the main characteristics discriminating the man from animals is the spoken language. Once

the man acquired this ability to express himself by words he is then able to do this in different pattern languages,

such people are called polyglots. Our brain is such a powerful machine, to a certain degree we follow the same

development course as animals in terms of breathing, eating, walking but higher on the evolution scale the man

achieved this higher level of communication by words. Language, i.e. spoken language, is a complex

communication system consisting in speech-sounds combinations expressed by words. Assembled correctly, to

specific and coherent patterns words create then sentences which result in ideas and thoughts. Human nervous

system plays a huge role in facilitating this communication function. How do we do this? Is that a mystery or

a predictable pattern that our brain creates to code and decode spoken language?

Keywords: Language; brain; neuron patterns; phonemes; sound; communication; nervous system; cortical

structures

Language- the Miracle of Speech

Our brain is genetically predispose for language, while writing is an optional skill, spoken language is

the main form for communication. Toddlers have a genetically predisposition for spoken language,

whereas for other skills like eating, dancing they need special assistance.

What scientists mean by genetic predisposition? It means that long before walking or sitting babies start

uttering different sounds or babbling incoherent sentences, around the age of 2 -3 months. The miracle

takes place about age of 8 months when babies succeed to articulate the magic word “mama” or “dada”.

The “big bang” of the language universe when the language centers of the brain became active occurs

soon after the birth. It is very interesting that this window for acquiring the spoken languages tapers off

for the first time around the age about 5 years, then again around the age of 10 to 12 years. Scientist

revealed that beyond that age learning any language becomes more difficult.

Human beings are born with this language instinct which is very strong so that in the absence of the

spoken communication some toddlers invent words, whereas others become very affected by this lack

of human spoken interaction and die. Human being is a social being who needs interaction with other

beings, and one the most wanted interaction is the verbal one. People need to express themselves and

language is one of the most fascinating ways of expression as words carry emotions that lead to thoughts

which create out reality.

1. Associate Professor, PhD, Danubius University of Galati, Romania, Address: 3 Galati Blvd., Galati 800654, Romania, Tel.:

+40372361102, Romania, E-mail: lacramioaramocanu@univ-danubius.ro.

2 Student, Faculty of Communication and International Relations, Psychology, Danubius University of Galati, Romania,

Address: 3 Galati Blvd., Galati 800654, Romania, Tel.: +40372361102, Romania, Coresponding author:

cami_nicoleta@yahoo.co.uk.