Final answer:
Damage to Wernicke's area, typically located in the left hemisphere, leads to difficulties in language comprehension and is associated with a form of aphasia.
Step-by-step explanation:
The part of the brain that is damaged if you can't understand language is called Wernicke's area. This region is essential to the comprehension of language and is most often located in the left hemisphere of the brain. Damage to Wernicke's area can lead to a type of aphasia, which is characterized by a difficulty in understanding and producing coherent speech. Additionally, Broca's area is involved with the production of speech, and damage to this region can result in difficulty forming language, although understanding may remain intact. Both of these areas, along with the neural pathways connecting them, are crucial for normal language function. Damage not only to the left hemisphere but also the right hemisphere can impact nonverbal aspects of communication and understanding more abstract aspects of language.