The brain stores words in a mental lexicon organized by semantic (meaning), phonological (sound), and orthographic (spelling) networks, enabling rapid access during speech or comprehension. Retrieval involves spreading activation from cues like concepts or sounds, with parallel distributed processing across neural networks firing together for fluency. This system underpins vocabulary growth, where frequent exposure strengthens traces for effortless recall.
Mental Lexicon Structure
Long-term memory holds words at three levels: conceptual (ideas like “dog”), lemma (abstract form with grammar), and phonological (sounds /dɒg/). Associations link similar items—rhymes, synonyms—via physical (sound/spelling) and semantic ties (dog-pet-bone), aiding cue-based search. Working memory temporarily juggles these during production, compressing phrases for efficiency.
Bilinguals activate all languages simultaneously, with the target dominant; interference occurs under load. Hippocampus aids initial encoding, temporal lobes handle retrieval.
Encoding and Storage Mechanisms
Encoding binds words through repetition and context, shifting from short-term (hippocampus) to long-term via consolidation. Labels enhance vividness; narratives organize experiences language-dependently. Frequency boosts trace strength—common words retrieve in 200ms.
Storage favors clustered networks: “dog” activates “puppy-tail,” with cross-language parallels in polyglots. Forgetting stems from weak cues or interference.
Retrieval Processes and Cues
Retrieval uses free recall (no prompt) or cued (semantic/phonological hints like first letter), spreading activation to fetch matches. Semantic cues lift production via meaning links; phonology via sound. Tip-of-tongue states arise from partial activation.
Context-dependency matches encoding language to retrieval, easing bilingual access. Neural models simulate dysfunctions, linking aphasia to retrieval gaps.
Implications for Learning
Spaced repetition and associations maximize cues, combating decay. Bilingualism enhances flexibility, though switching taxes working memory. Tech like apps leverages gamification for robust encoding.
FAQ
How is the mental lexicon organized?
By semantic, lemma, and phonological levels with associative networks.
What aids word retrieval?
Cues like semantics or sounds spread activation; frequency strengthens traces.
Why tip-of-the-tongue moments?
Partial activation without full match, common under cognitive load.
Do bilinguals store words differently?
Parallel activation across languages, with interference possible.
How improve word memory?
Use associations, repetition, context for stronger encoding/retrieval cues.
