Abstract
The aim of this study was to discuss the nature of the relationship between language deficits and nonverbal symbolic deficits in aphasic patients. Tests of nonverbal symbolic ability included a classificatory test, pantomime tests (recognition and expression) and a drawing test. As indices of language deficits, severity of aphasia, auditory comprehension, verbal production, reading comprehension and writing were measured by scoring on SLTA. The classificatory test was administered to 15 aphasics. Scores were correlated to all language scales except verbal production. It was suggested that classificatory ability manifests some type of functional relationship to auditory and reading comprehension. The pantomime tests were administered to 17 aphsics. Scores were correlated to all language scales. It was suggested that pantomime ability bears some form of relationship to reading comprehension and writing. The drawing test was administered to 13 aphasics. Scores were correlated to the severity of aphasia and reading comprehension. A strong relationship was not suggested between drawing ability and language functions. These results are taken collectively as indicating that different degrees and different patterns of relationship may exist between language functions and each nonverbal symbolic function. A simple theory such as the central symbolic deficit hypothesis could not explain these varied relationships. Further analytic investigction is awaited.
