1.Discus how sex can affect language use.
2. Explain the role of brain in speech production.
I have no idea with question 1 but i will try for question 2
In the brain there is the large part called
cerebrum which is covered by the layer called
cerebral cortex. This is the area which is mapped by anatomist called
Korbian Broadmann in 1909 hoping that these areas would be related to specific functions including speech production.
Therefore Broadman divided cerebral cortex into these areas such as
frontal lobe with areas such as area 4 , area 6, Broca's motor speech area 44 and 45 which is connected to Wernicke's area (area 22) by arcuate fasciculus.
Now these two areas
Broca's speech area 44 and 45 and Wernicke's area number 22 are the pivotal areas for speech production though there is other centres such as angular gyrus which is involved in ability to read and write..
Motor speech area of Broaca area 44and 45 activates the adjacent primary motor area which in turn stimulates the muscles of larynx, mouth, tongue, soft palate and respiratory muscles as we know speech production involve these muscles. Ablation of this area will result in the paralysis of speech (expressive aphasia). also inefficient contraction of these muscles may lead to stuttering.
Wernickes area 22 permits the understanding of written and spoken language and enables a person to read a sentence, understand it and say it loudly. Destruction of this area may cause loss in the ability to understand the spoken and written word (
receptive aphasia)
Destruction of both
Broaca's and Wernicke's areas results to loss of speech production and understanding of written and spoken words.
Lesion in the angular gyrus results in the anability of patient to read(
alexia) nd write (
agraphia).