Multilevel nature of language disorders in clinical practice

Abstract

The definition of language, presented in this study, is slightly different from the ones included in encyclopaedias and dictionaries. Clinicians should observe patient’s language and its disorders in comprehensive (holistic) manner. It is because language means communication with the surrounding environment and oneself. This way of communication has been developed in the process of phylogenesis. In the process of evolution, new structures of the nervous system were embedded into pre-existing ones, creating feedback systems. Functioning of these systems is explained by Wiener and Ashby’s cybernetics theory. Polish pioneers of cybernetics appliance were Marian Mazur and Julian Aleksandrowicz.
In our opinion language consists of three elements: limbic, verbal and inner language. "Body language" is an additional "instrument" which helps to intensify the effect of information transfer. We discuss and emphasise practical meaning of multilevel nature of language disorders in selection of suitable diagnostic and therapeutic methods. Reductionalistic approach to the phenomenon of language may lead to diagnostic failures, misunderstanding of patient’s problems and makes the selection of suitable therapy impossible.