System of communication using symbols, words, and grammar to convey meaning. Language enables abstract thought, social coordination, and transmission of knowledge across generations. - Components of Language - Phonology - sound systems and pronunciation - Morphology - word structure and formation - Syntax - grammatical rules for combining words - Semantics - meaning of words and sentences - Pragmatics - context-dependent use of language - Language Processes - Comprehension - understanding spoken or written language - Production - generating speech or writing - Acquisition - learning language in childhood - Translation - converting between languages - Neural Basis - Broca's area - speech production and grammar - Wernicke's area - language comprehension - Arcuate fasciculus - connection between language areas - Left hemisphere dominance (in most individuals) - Related Topics - [[Cognitive Psychology]] - mental processes underlying language - [[Cognitive Neuroscience]] - neural mechanisms of language - [[Computational models]] - formal models of language processing - Disorders - Aphasia - language impairment from brain damage - Dyslexia - reading difficulties - Specific language impairment - developmental language disorder