Aphasia is primarily a disorder affecting which two major aspects?

Aphasia is primarily a communication disorder that significantly impacts a person's ability to process language. This includes both the production of speech, which involves speaking, and the comprehension of language, which encompasses understanding spoken or written communication. Individuals with aphasia may find it challenging to form coherent sentences, retrieve words, or understand what others are saying, making speaking and understanding language the central aspects affected by this condition.

While writing and reading, as mentioned in the second option, can also be impacted due to the broader language difficulties associated with aphasia, the core of the disorder lies in the fundamental communication skills of speaking and understanding. This distinction highlights why the correct response focuses on these two areas, as they directly relate to the definition and presentation of aphasia, characterizing it as a problem with processing and using language rather than affecting cognitive functions, hearing, sight, or general reasoning skills.