Language and brain: Recasting meaning in the definition of human language

The purpose of this paper is to articulate the central issues and controversies that currently dominate the study of the relationship between language and brain and, as a result, we will attempt to fundamentally redefine the way language is viewed by the neurosciences by recasting traditional linguistic definitions of human language. In order to achieve these goals, we will take into account (1) important aspects of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neurofunctionality, (2) the role of imaging technologies (especially PET and fMRI) in formulating specific questions for testing hypotheses about language and the brain, including what these technologies can and cannot do, and (3) a discussion of the myths about the neurological representations of human language. Our conclusions will take into account evidence on aphasias and medial temporal lobe (MTL) damage that directly affects the way we understand the relationship between language, brain, and memory.