Applied linguistic theory is examined in light of neuroscientific knowledge, especially in regard to the structure and function of the cerebral cortex, in order to illuminate the process and methods of teaching or learning language. Wernicke's Area and Broca's Area are parts of the brain that have been associated with language function. Topographical representation and functional aspects of these two areas are discussed. The learning of a second language would seem to have in common with the learning of the first language the functioning of Wernicke's Area and Broca's Area. It also seems clear that very different neural pathways and mechanisms are employed by students using different methods of foreign language teaching. Cortical areas thought to be associated with each of the following teaching methods are discussed: audio-lingual pattern drill; empiricist-behaviorist learning theory approach; and an approach in which no emphasis is placed on word-object association. (SW)