Hello, my name is Rachel Horstman. I am a graduate student at the University of Albany in Educational Theory and Practice. Through this project, I am researching how the brain produces and comprehends language intending to improve reading instruction in elementary grades.
Within this site, you will find an overview of how the brain functions in regards to language, research related to language and reading, and how we can use this knowledge in the field of education.
Language is a broad term. We must break down the components of language to better understand how we speak, read, and listen. Below you will find helpful vocabulary that relates to neuroscience, linguistics, and reading instruction. This list will also help the reader understand the various components of language.
Phoneme: a single sound within a language
Allophone: variations of phonemes (think about the [t] sound in top and metal)
Phonics: the relationship between phonemes and graphemes
Grapheme: written symbols that represent phonemes (i.e. the alphabet)
Morpheme: the smallest unit of language that still holds meaning; a part of a word that cannot be further divided
Semantics: the meaning of words or phrases (i.e. vocabulary)
Syntax: the structure of words that forms sentences
Pragmatics: analyzing how context can change the meaning of words
These vocabulary terms are an incredibly brief overview of basic brain anatomy. They are meant to help the reader understand how the brain processes information.
Cerebrum: the upper portion of the brain, which is split into two hemispheres
Dorsal pathway: carries information regarding spatial awareness from the primary visual cortex to the parietal lobe.
Fiber bundles: connects various regions of the brain.
Frontal lobe: located in the front of the cerebrum, also the largest region. Broca's area is in this region. It is responsible for decision making, motor control and emotions/personality.
Functional MRI (fMRI): an imaging device that allows neuroscientists to see brain activity when performing an activity or behavior
Gray matter: outer covering of the cerebral cortex which contains nerve cell bodies.
Neuron: a nerve cell that carries messages to different regions of the brain and body
Occipital lobe: located in the back of the cerebrum. It is responsible for processing visual signals.
Parietal lobe: located just behind the frontal lobe. It is responsible for perceiving and processing our senses.
Temporal lobe: located in the bottom portion of the cerebrum. The hippocampus and Wernicke's area are in this region. It is responsible for memory, language comprehension, and hearing.
Ventral pathway: carries information regarding object recognition from the primary visual cortex to the temporal lobe.
White matter: a structure with many fiber bundles, it is surrounded by myelin giving it a white color.