Small but mighty: Ten myths and misunderstandings about the cerebellum

Abstract

This special issue of Neurobiology of Language focuses on the role of the cerebellum in spoken and written language comprehension and production. The volume brings together behavioral and neural evidence bearing upon this question using an array of methods. As editors, we are excited by the collective impact of this work, which includes recent findings from many of the leading researchers who study the cerebellum and language. We also find ourselves pondering the term “special” as a reflection of the widespread tendency of brain researchers to comfortably relegate the cerebellum to a minor role in cognition. As a result, our 21st-century understanding of the cognitive neuroscience of the cerebellum is not yet consistently recognized by the field, leading to an under-appreciation of the cerebellar contributions to language beyond its role in the coordination of articulation. Here we offer a “top ten” list aimed at countering some of the myths and misunderstandings that keep it out of the limelight.