Abstract
An analysis of several disparate findings from studies on aphasic disorders suggests the possibility of developing a simple unitary account of language comprehension in aphasics based on the idea of disrupted ability to form adequate mental representations. Two experiments, using respectively a sentence completion task and a riddle test, yielded results consistent with predictions of the representational explanation advanced. It is suggested that anterior aphasics are impaired in the ability to carry out systematic processing of specific aspects of situations or events (irrespective of knowledge), and consequently over-rely on knowledge-based routines Conversely, posterior aphasics seem to be impaired in the ability to apply knowledge-based routines and. although they are able to carry out systematic processing, the limitation in the availability of routines reduces their processing capacity.