Language And Memory

1216 Words5 Pages
Running head: LANGUAGE AND MEMORY PAPER Language and Memory Paper Andrea Adams Psychology 560 February 16, 2011 Dr. Varsha Shah Language and Memory Paper Language is used by all humans as a way to communicate to one another. There are many different ways in which to communicate, from the cries of a baby to complicated mathematical problems. Language could not exist without the semantic memory where all words, meanings and languages are stored. This paper will examine four major areas of language and the processes associated with language. First the nature and function of semantic memory and how it is connected to language will be examined. Secondly, the basic functions of language will be explained followed by the stages of language production. Finally this paper will examine the important relationship between the semantic memory and language production. Nature and Function of Semantic Memory Semantic memory is an important part of language as it is the part of long-term memory which deals with words, symbols, and the meanings of those words and symbols (Azar, 2007). From the minute a baby is born, he or she begins recognizing words and symbols as they are repeated by the parents. The words and symbols become organized in the brain and as the baby grows more information about the word is stored with the word. The semantic memory holds what the words look like, what they represent and how they are to be used (Azar, 2007). Semantic memories are permanent memories not associated with personal experiences. For example, the baby will learn the meaning of “mama” and never forget what it means, but will not be able to remember the experience of learning it. As with the baby, semantic memory is most active during childhood, it is during this time that most individuals encounter and learn new concepts and ideas (Azar, 2007). Repetition is
Open Document