People who have lost their memoryEven if they forget everything, they do not forget the language they have learned since childhood!

So how is this possible? Because language is learned later, Shouldn’t they forget that too?

Memory is basically considered in two main types: declarative and procedural memory.

Declarative memory, It is information that can be consciously and explicitly accessed and is generally divided into episodic (related to personal experiences) and semantic (general knowledge and facts) memory. Procedural memory, on the other hand, concerns habits and motor skills and is generally implemented without the need for conscious effort.

Language is associated with both types of memory. semantic memoryincludes the meanings of words and objects, while procedural memory includes language skills; that is, it deals with how to use and produce language.

Language can function thanks to semantic memory.

semantic memorystores words and their meanings for a long time and protects this information. Actually, the answer to our question is hidden here. Because people with memory loss can store this basic language information in semantic memory.

In this case, while continuing to know what simple objects like pencils are, they can share their personal experiences with these objects, i.e. They may forget episodic information.

Language proficiency is also closely related to procedural memory.

Various motor skills and habits play a role in speech and language use. This type of information is usually It is formed through repeated practice and experience. and it works less consciously than other types of memory.

That is why a person suffers from memory loss structures and language rulesthat is, he does not forget how to have the conversation. That is, procedural memory for the use of language operates independently of semantic memory.

One of the best examples of this situation is the short-term memory loss of the famous musician Clive Wearing.

Despite his memory loss wearhas maintained his musical talents due to his years of experience playing the piano. This shows how the aforementioned procedural memory can be maintained independently of semantic memory.

In other words, our language and experiences actually take place in different parts of our memory. The only difference is experiencing memory loss Information stored in semantic memory remains with us.

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