What is the first step in the auditory processing of language in the brain?

The initial step in the auditory processing of language occurs when sound waves are converted into neural signals by the ears and subsequently received by the primary auditory cortex. This region of the brain is responsible for the initial detection and processing of auditory stimuli, including the elements of language such as phonemes and prosody.

At this stage, the brain begins to interpret the basic features of sound, which is crucial for further processing of language. The primary auditory cortex lays the groundwork for more complex auditory tasks that will follow, such as language comprehension and integration with cognitive functions, which occur in subsequent steps involving other areas of the brain like Wernicke's area and the prefrontal cortex. Thus, the reception by the primary auditory cortex is fundamental as it triggers the entire cascade of higher-level language processing.