| Abstract: | Eleven diagnosed Broca's aphasics were tested for comprehension of sentences containing gerundive constructions. Results showed that, as a group, these patients were sensitive to grammatical distinctions signaled by “function” words, contrary to the predictions of some current theories about the specific deficits exhibited in this syndrome. Further analysis showed that the patients fell into two subgroups, one which exhibited sensitivity to the distinctions in normal grammar, and another which exhibited no sensitivity to such distinctions. This suggests that the syndrome may have different manifestations in different populations—patient age is suggested as a possible means for distinguishing the two groups. Suggestions for further research into the nature of the comprehension deficits exhibited by Broca's aphasics are made. |
