Mental Image and Its Application in Language Learning

Mental image has often been believed to play a very large, even pivotal, role in both memory and motivation. However, with the lateralization of the brain, the treasure of mental image, a function dominated by the right hemisphere of the brain, is often neglected in the realm of language learning, a function dominated by the left-brain. Thus, educational systems have largely, if not exclusively, catered to the logic, analytical left-brain, and unwisely phase out the imagery elements of the right brain. In this paper, therefore, the author argues that mental image should not be a property confined to children, who have more imagination. This kind of human treasure should be appropriately deployed through the process of language teaching and learning, for it can provide a strong impetus for language learning, thus making language-learning process more enjoyable and beneficial.