Language and reading are two unique human abilities critical to survive in the current information society. However, some people experience difficulties comprehending or/and speaking or/and reading. Others invest quite a lot of time and effort learning a second language late in life. Furthermore, some people loose part of their linguistic abilities with age or after brain damage. To understand the brain mechanisms that underlie language acquisition, comprehension and production and language breakdown we have been using several neuroimaging techniques: EEG (ElectroEncephaloGraphy), MEG (MagnetoEncephaloGraphy),  (NIRS) Near-Infrared Spectroscopy), fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging), etc. In this talk I will review the functioning and the underlying principles of some neuroimaging techniques we are using to investigate how the brain give rise to language.