Broca's aphasia, Broca's area, and syntax: A complex relationship

Three types of problems are raised in this commentary: On the linguistic si de, we emphasize the importance of an appropriate definition of the differe nt domains of linguistics. This is needed to define the domains (lexion-syn tax-semantics) to which transformational relations apply. We then question the concept of Broca's aphasia as a "functional" syndrome, associated with a specific lesion. Finally, we discuss evidence from functional brain imagi ng. The breadth and potential impact of such evidence has grown considerabl y in the last few years, expanding our knowledge of the multiple contributi ons of the "Broca's region" to phonological, lexical-semantic,and syntactic processing. "Lumping" under diagnostic labels, such as Broca's aphasia, sh ould be replaced by more detailed linguistic and neurological descriptions of the clinical cases.