Changes

The human brain receives input form sensory neurons in the ear that communicate the frequency of a noise to the [[audio cortex]]. The [[right hemisphere]] audio cortex specializes in discriminating differences between frequency. These subtle differences are what we hear as the pitch of the [[note (music)|note]], usually described as how low or high. The right hemisphere audio cortex is capable of differentiating pitches with in 1/4 of a [[semi-tone]].  

The human brain receives input form sensory neurons in the ear that communicate the frequency of a noise to the [[audio cortex]]. The [[right hemisphere]] audio cortex specializes in discriminating differences between frequency. These subtle differences are what we hear as the pitch of the [[note (music)|note]], usually described as how low or high. The right hemisphere audio cortex is capable of differentiating pitches with in 1/4 of a [[semi-tone]].  

Much of the [[grammatical structure]] of [[human language]] is based on changes in pitch or tone. There is strong evidence that the same are of the brain that processes pitch for music also processes the pitch for language. There are people who can not differentiate between pitches very well. These people are referred to as having [[amusia]] or more commonly called "tone deaf." Those suffering from amusia can not detect a change in pitch greater than 2 [[semi-tone | semi-tones]]. This makes much of music difficult to understand and sound very similar. The interesting thing is that most human language pitch changes are in the order of 7 semi-tones, so those with amusia do not show any deficit in language.  Some languages use use pitch to [[phonology|distinguish words]]; pitch when used thus is called ''tone,'' and such languages are called ''tonal languages.''<ref>[http://www.wordiq.com/definition/Tone_%28linguistics%29 Tone (linguistics)]</ref>  

Much of the [[grammatical structure]] of [[human language]] is based on changes in pitch or tone. There is strong evidence that the same are of the brain that processes pitch for music also processes the pitch for language. There are people who can not differentiate between pitches very well. These people are referred to as having [[amusia]] or more commonly called "tone deaf." Those suffering from amusia can not detect a change in pitch greater than 2 [[semi-tone]]s. This makes much of music difficult to understand and sound very similar. The interesting thing is that most human language pitch changes are in the order of 7 semi-tones, so those with amusia do not show any deficit in language.  Some languages use use pitch to [[phonology|distinguish words]]; pitch when used thus is called ''tone,'' and such languages are called ''tonal languages.''<ref>[http://www.wordiq.com/definition/Tone_%28linguistics%29 Tone (linguistics)]</ref>  

''Pitch'' also refers to a black tar-like substance that is made from sap plants or petroleum. It is used in shipbuilding.

''Pitch'' also refers to a black tar-like substance that is made from sap plants or petroleum. It is used in shipbuilding.

Hyde, K., & Peretz, I. (2004). Brains That Are out of Tune but in Time. Psychological Science, 15(5), 356-360.

Hyde, K., & Peretz, I. (2004). Brains That Are out of Tune but in Time. Psychological Science, 15(5), 356-360.

<references/>

<references/>

==External Link==

==External links==

http://www.delosis.com/listening/home.html On-line program which tests for how well people can differentiate tones and timing.

* http://www.delosis.com/listening/home.html On-line program which tests for how well people can differentiate tones and timing.

[[Category:Musical terms]]

[[Category:Musical terms]]

[[Category:Linguistics]]

[[Category:Linguistics]]