ABSTRACT
Models of aphasiology have been highly influenced by the “anatomical connectionist” approach that was initiated by the Wernicke-Lichtheim model. In this chapter, we focus on an alternative view that cognitive forces and operations provide an explanatory framework. In this perspective, language is not “lost” but rather hampered in its activation and performance. The research community generally favors these process and computational models. Several arguments can be put forward to warrant a processing view of aphasia, including the observation of phenomena that are inconsistent with the centers and pathways paradigm. Memory, in addition to attention and other aspects of executive function, is always utilized throughout all the psycholinguistic processes involved in activation of language representations. There is a long history of research into impaired memory systems in aphasia. In addition to the central function of working memory and short-term memory, attention is another cognitive force that regulates access to internal language representations. Several studies have brought evidence that points to a decreased attentional strength and focus in aphasia that still warrants further research.
