The role of insula in language: an unsettled question

Abstract

In this paper some of Benson's ideas about the role of the insula in language are developed. It is proposed that the insula is involved in two di erent aspects of language. On one hand, the insula should be regarded as a part of the brain language area. Damage to the insula frequently results in aphasia. Among the various language disturbances associated with damage in the left insula are Broca's aphasia, conduction aphasia, and the word deafness component of Wernicke's aphasia. Apraxia of speech and mutism have been also reported associated with insula damage. Then on the other hand, recent studies of anatomical connections of the insula point to an important viscero limbic role and it has been suggested that the insula may influence verbal motivation and verbal affect.