Abstract

This paper reviews the neuroanatomical bases of language processing in the brain. It argues that the highly detailed anatomical structures that process different aspects of language render any extracorporeal mind superfluous. Though conceivable, the reality of a mind that can exist independently of the brain would make redundant the neural architecture and complex processing mechanisms necessary for the production and understanding of language. Since these structures and mechanisms are manifestly not redundant, how could normal language function be preserved after their destruction by death, allowing the dead to understand or produce language? 1. Introduction -- 2. Language and the Left Hemisphere: Language is Not Just One Thing - A. Broca’s (Expressive) Aphasia - B. Wernicke’s (Receptive) Aphasia - C. Conduction Aphasia -- 3. Language and the Right Hemisphere -- 4. Other Language Functions -- 5. Anatomical, Neurochemical, and Comparative Findings -- 6. Dualism and the Brain