LANGUAGE CAPACITY IN THE BRAIN

An essay on brain lateralisation or localisation of the language capacity

Localization of the language capacity in the brain has been long discussed by neurologists and anatomists since the mid-19th century (Dax 1836). However, contrary to the localization theory, other scientists have developed complementary theories such as the theory of lateralization of the language capacity. During the last two centuries, scientific studies have been carried out either in post-mortem explorations of the brain or by testing patients who had lost certain capacities for language. Consequently, several hypothesis and theories have been provided to justify the different findings. However, as many studies that are carried out in the area of psycholinguistics, no final scientific statement has been generated in order to give a solid and unique justification in favor of one theory or the other.

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By introducing several studies and findings that researchers have done throughout the last two centuries, this essay will provide argument enough to understand the complexity and controversy that the theories of lateralization and localization have generated in order to locate the language capacity in the brain. Having a close look at the different aspects that these theories present can be of great importance for future studies in psycholinguistics, particularly those looking at the language capacity and the interaction of the human brain with the communicative system.

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