Final answer:
Language can still be functional in the left hemisphere if trauma occurs, especially in children up to about five years old, due to the plasticity of the developing brain and the left hemisphere's role in language and speech functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
During early childhood development, language acquisition is a rapid process that typically involves the left hemisphere, known for its role in language-related functions. This hemisphere controls linguistic abilities such as grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure. Research has demonstrated that the left hemisphere is especially crucial for these language and speech functions, with areas like Broca's and Wernicke's areas being integral for language processing.
When trauma occurs to the brain, the potential for plasticity is high, particularly in young children. This plasticity allows other parts of the brain to compensate for damaged areas, maintaining some language functions. However, as the nervous system matures, this plasticity decreases, and language functions become more solidified in the left hemisphere. Understanding this is essential for treatment and rehabilitation in cases of brain injury or developmental disorders.