Introduction
Language is one of the most powerful indicators of what is in the brain. Depending on the constraints or the status of the brain, some words come out more often than others do and this is through language. As a consequent, language determines accuracy and speed of brain’s capacity to process words.
In the brain, information is arranged both in short-term and long-term memory and this is independent of whether the language in context is first language or a second one.
This paper explores the nature and function of semantic memory, basic functions of language and stages of language production before analyzing relationship between semantic memory and language production.
Nature and function of Semantic Memory
The nature of semantic memory is a case of brain storing data about words. Additionally, the brain records the nature of words, how they look, what they represent, and the manner in which they are used to give meaning to something or an object.
For instance, it is very difficult for someone to bury implication of the word ‘woman’ or fail make up a visual image of a car at the mention of the same.
According to Bock (1990) Semantic memory contrasts episodic memory in that memories are dependent upon a relationship in time” (p. 1221). In semantic memory, words come out as units upon which the brain processes information.
Semantic memory is the long-term memory from where individuals recall or retrieve information. Bock (1990) posits that, “The ‘tip of the tongue’ phenomenon provides some insight into the way information is stored in semantic memory” (p. 1223).
For instance, as an individual tries to remember a name, say, Lois, he or she will utter other words similar to Lois and this is because of the information stored in the semantic memory. The function of semantic memory is to enable people to use language as a means of communication.
Basic Functions of Language
The function of language depends on its form. To understand the basic function of language is important to look at the forms of the same. Informative language involves passing of information; that is, communication. The sentences used here have logic in them, say, to assert or deny proffers.
Expressive language on the other hand, articulates the speaker’s feelings. Elementary, this form of language articulates and/or evokes feelings. This function of language comes out clearly in poetry where poets voice their concerns over a particular issue or express their feelings.
Poems are intended to evoke feelings from the audience, the prime function of expressive language. Language also prevents or causes overt actions as in the case of directive language. This is a command or request function serving only one function.
According to Robinson-Reigler and Robinson-Reigler (2008, p. 69), languages also have ceremonial, reformative utterances and phatic communication functions. This is case of using language as a social tool as opposed to informative tool.
Stages of Language Production
In language production, there is a loop involving series of events. In the first stage, an individual perceives that intended message. After this, the brain engages encodes the perceived message into linguistic nature.
According to Chang, Dell, Bock, and Griffin, (2000), this involves the arranging of words into a language by putting into consideration their form, structure, and their object of representation (p. 226). The third step, the encoded linguistic form, through the motor system, is encoded into language or speech.
At this point, words organized into speech come out from the lips of the speaker. The fourth step involves both the speaker and hearer of the speech whereby, as the speaker utters the words, they fall into the ears of the hearer. Once in the auditory system of the hearer, the speech is decrypted into linguistic construct within the hearer.
This involves processing the information decoded giving way to the final stage, which involves decrypting the now linguistic construct into to meaning. At this stage, language is fully produced to convey meaning and communication is said to have taken place.
Semantic Memory and Language Production
Currently, there is no scientific prove to explicitly show that there is any relationship between semantic memory and language production. However, through several task-oriented researches, there appears to be a relationship between these two.
According to Eric and Pearlmutter (2004, p. 39), semantic memory may determine how language is produced. This probability lies in the processing bit of language production where words have to be encoded into linguistic forms. There is a probability that the stored information in the semantic memory is used in this decoding.
Conclusion
Language brings forth what is in the brain’s storehouse. Semantic memory acts as a word bank where data about words are stored and retrieved when needed. Individuals can recall an object at its mention because they have this stored information about the same.
Different stages are involved in language production from the time the speaker decides to speak until the intended information reaches and makes meaning to the hearer.
There is a probability that semantic memory is a useful tool in language production. Finally, language plays different roles; however, each role is dependant of the form of the language.
Reference List
Bock, J. (1990). Structure in language: Creating Form in Talk. American Psychologist, 45(2); 1221-1236.
Chang, F., Dell, S., Bock, K., & Griffin, M. (2000). Structural Priming as Implicit Learning: A Comparison of Models of Sentence Production. Journal Of Psycholinguistic Research, 29(3); 217-229.
Eric, S., & Pearlmutter, J. (2004). Semantic Integration and Syntactic Planning in Language Production. Journal of Cognitive Psychology, 49(1); 36-42.
Robinson-Riegler, G., & Robinson-Riegler, B. (2008). Cognitive Psychology: Applying The Science of the Mind (2nd Ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon.