This book examines how the brain enables people to speak creatively and build up an understanding of language. The discussion looks at the linguistic and neuro-anatomical underpinnings of language and considers how language skills can systematically break down in individuals with different types of brain damage. By studying children with language disorders, adults with right-hemisphere brain damage, demented patients, and people with reading problems, the book provides an understanding of how language is organized in the brain. An introductory chapter describes the field of neurolinguistics and the objects and approaches to neurolinguistic study. The second chapter provides an introduction to the brain structures that play a role in storing and processing knowledge. Subsequent chapters discuss specific population groups whose behavior provides clues to brain organization for language. In the final two chapters, conclusions are drawn about language organization in the brain and the future of neurolinguistic study. A glossary and subject and author indexes are included. Contains 209 references. (MSE)