Ah, that's a fascinating question that delves into the inner workings of our minds! When we're silent but thinking, we're not actually "hearing" words in the same way we hear sounds from the external world. Instead, we're experiencing what's often referred to as inner speech or internal monologue.
Think of it like this: your brain is incredibly skilled at processing language. Even when you're not vocalizing words, the same neural pathways that are activated when you speak and listen are still at work. Your brain is essentially simulating the act of speaking and hearing within the realm of your thoughts.
Here's a breakdown of what's happening:
* Mental Representation: Your thoughts are formed as mental representations, which can include abstract concepts, images, feelings, and yes, even the "sound" of words.
* Activation of Language Areas: Areas of your brain associated with language production (like Broca's area) and comprehension (like Wernicke's area) become active, even without any physical vocalization.
* Internal "Hearing": You're not using your ears, but your brain is accessing and processing the auditory information associated with those words. It's like recalling a familiar song – you can "hear" it in your head without it actually playing.
* No External Sound Waves: Crucially, there are no sound waves being generated and traveling to your eardrums. This is the fundamental difference between external hearing and internal speech.
So, in essence, you're not really hearing in the physical sense. You're experiencing the internalized sensation of hearing words as part of your thought process. It's a testament to the brain's remarkable ability to simulate and manipulate information.
Have you ever noticed how the "voice" you hear in your head often sounds like your own voice, or perhaps the voice of someone familiar? That's another interesting aspect of this internal phenomenon!
