Interpretation of definite expressions by brain damaged patients

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate whether there are differences in the interpretation of definite expressions between Broca’s aphasics and patients with a lesion in the right hemisphere, compared to non-stroke individuals. To investigate this, research has been carried out on whether different hemispheres support bridging and/or deixis, based on the interpretation of definite expressions. This has been tested using a truth value judgment task. Patients with an affected Broca’s area and patients with an affected right hemisphere have more problems with the interpretation of definite expression, by bridging and/or deictic use, compared to non-stroke individuals. Based on the obtained results, further examination is needed to receive more results about possible differences in the interpretation of definite expressions between Broca’s aphasics and patients with a lesion in the right hemisphere and possible preferences for bridging or the deictic use.