Language, Mind and Brain (Q1202E)

15 credits, Level 5

Spring teaching

On this module, you’ll focus on linguistic ability as a unique quality of humans. How does human language differ from animal communication systems? How is the human body, particularly the brain, adapted for language? Is language a special kind of cognition, or the product of general higher cognitive abilities?

You’ll investigate how humans understand and produce speech in such a speedy and efficient way, using a variety of evidence to evaluate theories of how the mind is structured for speech. You’ll consider:

how words are stored in the mind so that we can find them
why grammatical sentences like ‘the horse raced past the barn fell’ are actually very difficult to comprehend
why words are sometimes ‘on the tip of the tongue’.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses: