THE NEUROFUNCTIONAL

THEORY

Prepared by: Hannah B. Grepo

BSED-ENGLISH2A
NEUROFUNCTIONAL THEORY
 Proposed by Lamandella (1979)
 A neurofunctional perspective on language attempts to
characterize the neurolinguistic information processing
systems responsible for the development and use of
language.
 States that the acquisition of second and foreign
languages is mainly the product of neural (brain-based)
processes.
 The neurofunctional activity is also based on sub-
processes which take charge of specific pieces of the
language itself.
 LANGUAGE FUCNTION

According to the theory, language functioning is

dependant on brain activity, particularly on the
left hemisphere of the brain.
 LEFT HEMISPHERE

 Serial, analytic processing

 Associated with creative language use, including
syntactic and semantic processing and the motor
operations involved in speaking and writing.
 RIGHT HEMISPHERE
 The theory also touches on research that shows that the
right side of the brain is in charge of processing language
holistically, that is, in a more generalized and universal
way.
 This side of the brain recognizes patterns in speech and
intonation that are reinforced by constant exposure to the
second language.
 BROCA’S AREA VS. WERNICKE’S
AREA

Broca’s Area Wernicke’s Area

- Responsible for - Home of Meaning
the precise control
of the mouth and
larynx muscles
- Set of grammar,
comprehension,
and production.
 KINDS OF LANGUAGE
ACQUISITION

 Primary Language Acquisition

- Child’s acquisition, 2-5 years old.

 Secondary Language Acquisition

- Foreign language learning in formal classroom
- SLA of natural acquisition after the age of 5.
 2 NEUROFUNCTIONAL SYSTEMS
 Communication Hierarchy
- Consist all the sub-processes taking place
during interpersonal communication to include
monitor language usage.
- Responsible for language and other forms of
interpersonal communication.
 Cognitive Hierarchy
- The combination of sub-processes that analyze and
synthesize information.
- Highly influential in acquiring language because it
is through comprehension that it can actually be
applied.
- Controls cognitive information processing activities
that are part of language use.
SUMMARY:
 Agues that there is a connection between language function
and neutral anatomy.
 The two areas of the brain, namely the right and left
hemispheres relate to comprehension and production
respectively.
 Neurofunctional theory focuses on specific aspects of SLA,
such as age differences, fromulaic speech, fossilisation and
pattern practice.
 SLA can be explained neurofunctionally with reference to
which neurofunctional system is used- the communicative or
the cognitive – and which level within the chosen
neurofunctional system is engaged.
SOURCE AND REFERENCE:
 Discuss in detail Lamendella's Neurofunctional theory
Link: https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/discuss-detail-lamendellas-
neurofunctional-theory-368721#:~:text=Lamendella's%20Neurofunctional%20theory
%20of%20second,(brain%2Dbased)%20processes.&text=According%20to%20the
%20theory%2C%20language,left%20hemisphere%20of%20the%20brain.
 English language teaching : Principles and Practice
Link: https://
books.google.com.ph/books?id=urv5qkc7EtAC&pg=PA38&dq=neurofunction
al+theory&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiKuOKfvcLsAhXbaN4KHc0BDvY
Q6AEwAHoECAEQAg#v=onepage&q=neurofunctional%20theory&f=false
 Essays in English language teaching: A review of the communicative
approach
Link: https://
books.google.com.ph/books?id=fv6YHmA0moEC&pg=PA51&dq=neurofunct
ional+theory&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiH4-DrvcLsAhXOw4sBHVFRAV
wQ6AEwAnoECAIQAg#v=onepage&q=neurofunctional%20theory&f=false