Abstract
For understanding aphasia, I proposed a simple procedures and the point of view. First, we should divide brain function related language into two systems : one is the phonetic & phonemic system and the other is the content & context system. These systems also correspond to definite anatomical localization. Second, in terms of estimating speech output, I pointed out that it is simpler and more rational to adopt anarthria as a standard than using traditional fluent/non-fluent dichotomy because anarthria is an established focal sign of an impairment of the left precentral gyrus. Regarding estimating repetition ability, there is no clear standard to delineate between good and poor of repetition ability. Then it is helpful to estimate phonemic paraphasia and verbal short term memory, both of which are implicated in the anatomical localization. In addition I referred localization of four elementary impairments of language and implications in the classical aphasic terminology. With respect to aphasic terminology, there still remains many problems to be solved. I referred some of them, for example ; where to place transcortical motor aphasia, characteristics of subcortical aphasia, and sentence processing impairment. I also elucidated the influence of non linguistic background upon language ability : repetition ability which shows automatico-voluntary dissociation in Wernicke's apahsics, first order effect of naming ability in the aphasic patients with temporal lobe damages, how to improve naming ability in an aphasic patient using alternative tasks.
