Understanding the Role of Mirror Neurons in Learning Language: A Review of Studies

Abstract

This review aims to understand the implications Rizzolatti’s study of mirror neurons in animals to estimate its role in human learning in particular context to language acquisition. Since the mirror neurons are shown to be activated when the subject observes and imitates others in the surrounding, the article further tries to probe the complexity of its functioning when it applies to human beings when compared with animals. Studies on anosognosia cases have shown that damage to mirror neurons impairs our ability to judge not only other’s actions but also their intentions, which points out the significance of mirror neurons in non verbal cue acquisition and hence the role in learning of verbal language. Further studies on EEG in humans have further elaborated the role of mirror neurons in learning in general, after comparing the MU wave activity in the EEG. Further studies and observations are required understand the functioning of mirror neurons and overcome the limitations surfaced by the earlier studies and also to find out the variations faced in the case of Autistics and individuals with specific learning disability.