ABSTRACT
The concept that structures lying below the level of the cerebral cortex in the subcortical regions of the brain may be involved in language processing has been the subject of controversy for more than a century. In recent years evidence provided primarily through cliniconeuroradiological investigations has greatly increased awareness and acceptance that subcortical structures such as the basal ganglia and thalamus have a role to play in language. This evidence to a large extent has come from a relatively small group of researchers who have provided theories and mechanisms by which subcortical structures may influence language processing, backed up by empirical evidence. The work of these researchers would not have come into the public domain without the support of journal editors with sufficiently open minds to accept and publish work that ran counter to contemporary thinking. One such journal editor has been Chris Code. Chris has always kept an open mind on all aspects of brain function relating to the occurrence of aphasic disorders and through his editorship of the journal Aphasiology has always provided a forum where new theories relating to language processes and language disorders can be espoused and debated. Without Chris Code and his willingness to support and publish work relating to new aspects of brainrelated function, much of the progress towards furthering our understanding of subcortical language mechanisms would have been greatly retarded. The present chapter discusses subcortical language mechanisms and subcortical aphasia from a historical perspective, and presents the latest thinking in relation to how subcortical structures may influence language and language disorders. The progress made towards greater enlightenment of subcortical language processes can in many ways be linked to encouragement provided by Chris Code and other editors of journals prepared to extend the boundaries of contemporary theory and practice.
