The Neuroscience of Language

A comprehensive yet accessible overview of the neuroscience of language for introductory courses.

Jonathan E. Peelle (Author)

9781009245302, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 10 April 2025

303 pages
22.8 x 15.1 x 1.7 cm, 0.45 kg

'This book is a gem in the neuroscience of language literature, written by a well-known expert. Ten accessible and expertly organized chapters cover history, methods, anatomy, auditory processing, speech recognition, comprehension, and production, culminating in a holistic view of language as a dynamic brain function. Memory hooks, relatable scenarios, and striking visuals make it a captivating and highly informative read.' Cathy J. Price, University College London

The Neuroscience of Language offers a remarkably accessible introduction to language in the mind and brain. Following the chain of communication from speaker to listener, it covers all fundamental concepts from speech production to auditory processing, speech sounds, word meaning, and sentence processing. The key methods of cognitive neuroscience are covered, as well as clinical evidence from neuropsychological patients and multimodal aspects of language including visual speech, gesture, and sign language. Over 80, full color figures are included to help communicate key concepts. The main text focuses on big-picture themes, while detailed studies and related anecdotes are presented in footnotes to provide interested students with many opportunities to dive deeper into specific topics. Throughout, language is placed within the larger context of the brain, illustrating the fascinating connections of language with other fields including cognitive science, linguistics, psychology, and speech and hearing science.

Preface
Acknowledgements
1. Introduction: transferring ideas from one brain to another
2. Methods of cognitive neuroscience
3. A structural foundation: anatomical considerations and primary brain regions
4. Speech production: the beginning of the speech chain
5. Auditory processing: getting sound from the ear to the brain
6. Speech sounds: phonemes and word forms
7. Word meanings and concept representations
8. Combining meaning across words
9. Additional forms of language communication
10. Language as a whole-brain enterprise.

Subject Areas: Cognition & cognitive psychology [JMR]