This is an absolutely fascinating discussion, I would only add to the mix that when you talk about language and poetry, we need to take into account the complexities of figurative language, that is metaphor, various other forms of imagery and figures of substitution.
I entirely agree! Metaphor, metonymy, and language that elicits imagery are powerful and crucial even in prose, even non-fiction. Consider the words "neural circuitry." Really, in the concrete sense, circuitry is a metaphor, adopted from the world of electronics. Using this terminology in talking about the brain isn't totally "off." Nerve cells (neurons) do transmit signals to other neurons, in part, via waves of changing electrical charge. But, the word "circuitry" probably brings to mind wires for most people. Nevertheless, it's a useful metaphor!
I used to sometimes fall asleep at night thinking about how complicated a "machine" my husband's body was lying next to me, and how much was chugging along without any conscious thought on his part. Also how fragile it all seemed.
Likewise this business of language. Such an intricate system operating almost entirely without our thinking about it. And so fragile as your stories of the strokes point out.
Thanks for your comment, Joan. I might add that it takes an astute clinician — one who is able to think outside the box — to recognize these "natural experiments."
I really liked this one too! So many dimensions all at play at the same time. And as always, I was intrigued by the brain localization information with the natural experiments that shed light on the mystery.
This is an absolutely fascinating discussion, I would only add to the mix that when you talk about language and poetry, we need to take into account the complexities of figurative language, that is metaphor, various other forms of imagery and figures of substitution.
I entirely agree! Metaphor, metonymy, and language that elicits imagery are powerful and crucial even in prose, even non-fiction. Consider the words "neural circuitry." Really, in the concrete sense, circuitry is a metaphor, adopted from the world of electronics. Using this terminology in talking about the brain isn't totally "off." Nerve cells (neurons) do transmit signals to other neurons, in part, via waves of changing electrical charge. But, the word "circuitry" probably brings to mind wires for most people. Nevertheless, it's a useful metaphor!
It's extraordinary how complex this is.
I used to sometimes fall asleep at night thinking about how complicated a "machine" my husband's body was lying next to me, and how much was chugging along without any conscious thought on his part. Also how fragile it all seemed.
Likewise this business of language. Such an intricate system operating almost entirely without our thinking about it. And so fragile as your stories of the strokes point out.
Yes. So complex! And yet virtually every person learns oral language and uses it — as you point out — without much thought. It is truly "awesome."
Thanks for your comment, Joan. I might add that it takes an astute clinician — one who is able to think outside the box — to recognize these "natural experiments."
I really liked this one too! So many dimensions all at play at the same time. And as always, I was intrigued by the brain localization information with the natural experiments that shed light on the mystery.