In
the following pages I have tried to present aspects of language acquisition, inter-relationships
between thought and language, and neurophysiological bases of normal and abnormal
speech. Some of the available models in all the above areas are also presented.
The emphasis is on presenting an introduction to the above aspects for the benefit
of students of linguistics and psychology. The section Notes appended to each
chapter suggests some selected books and articles for further reading.
Prof. T.E.
Shanmugam's articles in Tamil on aspects of psychology kindled in me a desire
to know more about the psychological bases of human behaviour including language.
Dr. Stanley Starosta, my teacher at the University of Hawaii, put me on the right
track. Professors Kenneth Thern and Anatole Lyovin of the Department of Pacific
and Asian languages and Department of Linguistics respectively of the University
of Hawaii and Professors Theodre Rogers and Arthur Staats of theDepartment of
Psychology, University of Hawaii, enabled me to sustain and develop my interest
in psycholinguistics. Dr. D.P. Pattanayak, under whom I have the privilege of
working for the past eight years, has been a great source of inspiration for me
and for all the young scholars of the country. I owe a deep sense of gratitude
to all of them, since my association with them had been a very important factor
in the preparation of this small book.
Dr. R.N. Srivastava, Professor of Linguistics, Delhi University and Dr. N. Ratna,
Professor of Speech Pathology and Joint Director, All India Institute of Speech
and Hearing, Mysore went through the manuscript and offered suggestions for its
improvement on many counts. I am grateful to them. Needless to say that I alone
am responsible for the shortcomings, if any, of this book.
My colleague Mr. H.L.N. Bharati, Publications-in-Charge of the C.I.I.L. lent his
excellent editorial assistance in the preparation of the manuscript for the process
and has helped in seeing the book through the press. Mr. N.H. Itagi, Cartographer,
CIIL prepared the diagrams and designed the cover. My thanks are due to them.
Last but
not the least I wish to place on record and acknowledge the fruitful association
and many helpful discussions and suggestions Dr. K. Rangan extended to me in the
preparation of this book.
M.S.
THIRUMALAI