Language and speech disorders in terms of embodied cognition
Abstract
The primary aim of the article is to analyze language and speech disorders within the framework of embodied cognition. The authors attempt to elucidate the nature and mechanisms of disorders such as aphasia, dysarthria, and apraxia of speech through this lens and to highlight the resulting implications for their diagnosis and therapy. The theoretical foundation for the discussion is based on the concept of embodied metaphors proposed by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson, in conjunction with Maurice Merleau-Ponty’s phenomenological concept of pre-reflective intentionality, as well as contemporary research in experimental psychology, cognitive linguistics, and neuroscience. Particular attention is devoted to the role of the sensorimotor system, including the function of mirror neurons, and to theoretical phonological models. The research methodology involves a comparative analysis of theoretical models of embodied cognition and their application in explaining the specific mechanisms underlying language and speech disorders. The article integrates phenomenological findings with empirical results from neuropsychology, establishing a foundation for an interdisciplinary approach to language studies. The central thesis of the article posits that linguistic processes are intrinsically linked to sensorimotor mechanisms and bodily experiences, and that disruptions in these processes should be interpreted as disturbances in the interaction between the body and cognitive functions. The conclusions emphasize the necessity of incorporating bodily dimensions of language into diagnostic and therapeutic practices. The authors highlight the effectiveness of body-oriented methods, such as melodic intonation therapy and movement-based techniques, in rehabilitating language disorders. Furthermore, the article advocates for continued interdisciplinary research combining psychology, neuroscience, and linguistics to deepen our understanding of the connections between the body, mind, and language.
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