Communication is defined and the neurological bases of it and its disorders are discussed. The prevalence and costs of communicative disorders are described; current research and financial support for it and for training of investigators are reviewed. Details are then given concerning research on hearing, including the auditory system and its functions, the pathology of the auditory system in relation to hearing, and educational and rehabilitative management of auditory disorders. Research on central processes is also presented, covering characteristics of the central segment in the communicative process, the nature and scope of central processes, and gap areas in language disorders. Last, research on speech production is surveyed in the areas of normal speech production systems and processes, pathologies affecting the system, speech disorders without known organic pathology, management and treatment, and training needs. (JD)