Page 54 - The Modul of Psycholinguistics Studies_2

few points which must be made about the functioning of these
two cerebral hemispheres.

1. Brain Structure and Function

Handedness (left or right-handed) is directly related to
the structure and development of the brain. From the top of the
spine upwards are the medulla oblongata, the pons Varolii, the
cerebellum and the cerebral cortex (cerebrum) in that order.
The cerebral cortex is characterized by a division into halves,
termed hemispheres, which are connected by tissue called the
corpus collosum. It is not evident exactly how important the
actual size and weight of the brain are, perhaps the ratio of brain
to body size and weight which is important. Size of the brain
alone is not the crucial factor which would explain human
language and non-human lack of language. Structural differences

must exist which account for intelligence, language and other
highly cognitive functioning.

2. Hemispheric Dominance and Lateralization

The left hemisphere controls the right side of the body,
including the right hand, the right arm and the right side of the
face, while the right hemisphere controls the left side of the
body. For right-handed persons, the left hemisphere generally
dominate the right hemisphere, with the result that those people
tend to prefer their right hands. The majority have left-brain
dominance but their dominance is much less marked than in
naturally right-handed persons. This lack of strong dominance for
left-handers is believed to be a factor contributing to speaking

problems and to various reading and writing dysfunctions, such as
reversal of letters and words when reading and writing. Also,
some studies suggest that there are differences between the
brains of males and females. Females normally have a thicker
left hemisphere (one specialization of which involves general
54 | Fatma Yuniarti, M.Pd., B.I