Foreign accent syndrome, speech rhythm and the functional neuronatomy of speech production

This paper takes several perspectives on Foreign Accent Syndrome. One considers normal accent variation and cues to the perception of a 'foreign' accent. The second is the neural control of speech production as determined from functional imaging studies. Third, these issues are related to a particular case of Foreign Accent Syndrome to outline potential neuroanatomical, segmental and supra-segmental contributions to this Syndrome. We suggest that foreign accent syndrome is associated with a disconnection of the planning of articulation from motor control, which may account for the heterogeneity of speech errors seen. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.