Final answer:
Verbal behavior and language functions are primarily lateralized to the left hemisphere, with damage to this area causing aphasia and most language issues. However, the right hemisphere also plays a role in language, affecting the interpretation of non-literal language and emotional expression. Nonetheless, brain functions, including language, are not strictly confined to one hemisphere.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering verbal behavior and its lateralization, it is important to understand that the left hemisphere of the brain is primarily responsible for language functions in approximately 95 percent of the population. Damage to the left hemisphere can result in aphasia, which is a loss of speech function and is typically associated with significant language problems. While the right hemisphere can also contribute to language use, particularly in understanding non-literal aspects of speech like irony or metaphors, most language problems occur after left hemisphere damage. This lateralization means that a verbal command to move the right hand involves the left side of the brain, and sensory information from the left hand travels through the corpus callosum to be processed by the right side of the brain. Despite this lateralization, functions such as language are actually distributed throughout the cerebrum, debunking the oversimplified notion of individuals being "right-brained" or "left-brained."