The Deafblind Alphabet: Tadoma and Lorm
How do you communicate when you can neither see nor hear? This post explores the incredible world of deafblind communication, delving into Tadoma, a method of 'feeling' speech on the…
Neurolinguistics
Language Stories
Psycholinguistics
Neurolinguistics
Augmentative And Alternative Communication (Aac)
The Man Who Spoke Only in Numbers
Following a severe stroke, a brilliant Russian scientist lost his ability to speak—but found a new voice in the language of numbers. This incredible true story is more than an…
Your Brain on Crosswords
Ever wonder what’s really happening in your brain when you’re staring at a crossword clue? It’s not just a test of trivia, but a complex mental workout that engages everything…
Brain Candy: The Science of Word Games
Why does finding the perfect word in Scrabble or solving a tough crossword clue feel so deeply satisfying? We move beyond game strategy to explore the fascinating neuroscience of play,…
Gossip, Lies & Survival: The Social Brain
We're often told language evolved to help us hunt mammoths, but what if its true purpose was more strategic—and a little more scandalous? The 'Machiavellian Intelligence Hypothesis' suggests our brains…
The Unseen Work of a Speech Pathologist
Go beyond the classroom stereotype and into the complex world of the Speech-Language Pathologist. This article uncovers the unseen science and deep linguistic expertise SLPs use to diagnose and treat…
The Color of a Consonant: Grapheme-Color Synesthesia
For people with grapheme-color synesthesia, letters and numbers aren't just black marks on a page—they have their own inherent, vivid colors. This fascinating neurological trait transforms reading into a multi-colored…
The Language of Loss: Linguistic Patterns in Dementia
Dementia does more than steal memories; it systematically unravels the very fabric of language. This post explores the specific linguistic patterns that emerge, from the curious case of "thingamajigs" and…
Learning a Language with Dyslexia
Learning a new language with dyslexia can feel overwhelming, but it is entirely possible with the right approach. This guide offers compassionate advice and multi-sensory strategies that bypass traditional text-heavy…
Does Learning a Language Prevent Dementia?
The claim that learning a language can prevent dementia is popular, but what does the science say? While it doesn't stop the underlying disease, compelling evidence shows that the mental…
The Truth About the ‘Critical Period’
Is it too late to become fluent once you're an adult? We debunk the persistent myth of the 'critical period' for language learning and explore the surprising truth. Discover the…
Learning a Language with ADHD: A Guide
For those with ADHD, the initial excitement of learning a new language often gives way to frustration, but it doesn't have to be that way. This guide offers specific, brain-friendly…
The Truth About Learning a Language While Sleeping
The dream of learning a language while you sleep is alluring, but is it just science fiction? We dive into the real neuroscience to reveal that while you can't learn…
Is Cursive Better for Your Brain?
As schools increasingly drop cursive, we must ask: are we just losing an old-fashioned script, or are we sacrificing a powerful tool for cognitive development? Neurological research suggests the connected…
How Do We Read Without Saying Words Aloud?
Have you ever noticed the quiet voice in your head that reads along with your eyes? This internal narrator, known as subvocalization, is a fundamental yet often overlooked part of…
Why Do We ‘Talk’ With Our Hands?
Ever wonder why you gesture on the phone, even when no one can see you? It turns out that 'talking' with our hands isn't just for show; it's a fundamental…
Why Is This Word Taboo? The Science of Swearing
Ever wonder why a stubbed toe elicits a four-letter word and not just an "ouch"? The answer lies deep within our brains, where swear words are processed not as language,…
Reading: The Brain’s Heavy Lift
Ever wondered if learning thousands of Chinese characters is cognitively harder than mastering the English alphabet? This post dives into the neuroscience of reading, exploring the distinct brain pathways activated…
The Echo Chamber of the Mind
Echolalia, the repetition of heard phrases, is often dismissed as simple mimicry, particularly in autism. But what if these echoes are not empty sounds, but a sophisticated strategy for communication,…
When a Word Loses Its Meaning
Say a word over and over again until it loses all meaning. This bizarre experience, known as semantic satiation, isn't just a quirky party trick; it's a window into the…