Comparable Mechanisms for Action and Language: Neural Systems Behind Intentions, Goals, and Means

In this position paper we explore correspondence between neural systems for language and action starting from recent electrophysiological findings on the roles of posterior and frontal areas in goal-directed grasping actions. The paper compares the perceptual and motor organization for action and language, and discusses similarities between the impairments of apraxic and aphasic patients. Furthermore, based on the anatomical connectivity of Brodmann areas (BA) 44 and 45 separate functional roles are proposed for the two constituent parts of Broca's area. The final part of the paper includes a discussion on the role of BA 44 and neighboring areas in sequential processing for action and language.