processing of information; it isn't really hearing, or seeing

mmm, I agree with that Jackie. I believe that our brains are pattern-making and matching tools in their fundamental workings - and that these patterns then find expression through sensory outputs as a secondary function. In other words, first pattern, then specific language: hence (as per our previous descussions elsewhere) a baby growing up in a 'sign' household will make babbling 'noises' with their hands at the same precise points of development as is achieved by the growing burbles and articulations of a speaking child. The same areas of the brain are mapping outputs to two different devices but the underlying pattern analysis and recognition is common to both.

(If anyone new here is interested, there are some previous discussions on the Board - perhpaps one of our bloodhounds can LIU, since it's 4:30am here, and I gotta sleep. mmm, now dreams, that's a rich corroboration of the patterns theory...!)