Scientists have found specific parts of the brain that correspond to different aspects of language:
What if a map of the brain could help us decode people's inner thoughts? UC Berkeley scientists have taken a step in that direction by building a "semantic atlas" that shows in vivid colors and multiple dimensions how the human brain organizes language. The atlas identifies brain areas that respond to words that have similar meanings.
The findings, published today in the journal Nature, are based on a brain imaging study that recorded neural activity while study volunteers listened to stories from the "Moth Radio Hour." They show that at least one-third of the brain's cerebral cortex, including areas dedicated to high-level cognition, is involved in language processing.
Notably, the study found that different people share similar language maps: "The similarity in semantic topography across different subjects is really surprising," said study lead author Alex Huth, a postdoctoral researcher in neuroscience at UC Berkeley. Click here for Huth's online brain viewer.
Natural speech reveals the semantic maps that tile human cerebral cortex (DOI: 10.1038/nature17637)
(Score: 1, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday April 30 2016, @10:59PM
We will know you didn't vote for the Leader. We will know why you didn't vote for The Leader. We will declare you Insane. We will throw you in Prison where you belong. We don't want you in our Society.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Saturday April 30 2016, @11:08PM
Mentally undressing the interviewer isn't going to get you the job unless you the applicant are young and attractive. So, same as the old days before brain mapping.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday May 01 2016, @10:44AM
Now we really can have "thought police", this seems one of those technologies where the possible misuse outweighs any possible benefit
(Score: 2) by darkfeline on Monday May 02 2016, @03:23PM
I think there's some ambiguity in whether these brain areas are solely or mainly devoted to language processing, since language is so closely tied to all other forms of thought and reasoning. For example, the language processing involved in reading the word "boat" will also activate the areas storing nostalgic memories of boating with your dad as a kid, and so on.
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