The aphasias and other disorders of language

Abstract

Language is themechanism by which communication is achieved through the use of specific sounds or symbols. In the clinical realm, it is extremely important to differentiate this process from that of speech, the coordinated motor mechanism that allows the utterance of sound. Either language or speech can be abnormal with total preservation of the other, although in some clinical circumstances, both are involved simultaneously. Conceptual abnormalities of production or understanding of speech or language are referred to as aphasia, and mechanical abnormalities in the motor production of speech are known as dysarthria or anarthria.