One of the major theories of developmental dyslexia is the PHONOLOGICAL THEORY.

The phonological theory posits that the primary impairment is in the representation, storage and/or retrieval of speech sounds

(What is meant by representation in this context?)

Question

One of the major theories of developmental dyslexia is the PHONOLOGICAL THEORY.

The phonological theory posits that the primary impairment is in the representation, storage and/or retrieval of speech sounds

(What is meant by representation in this context?)

anonymous · Answer

When you look at an alphabet, for instance 'v' , the related sound is automatically registered in your head. This is because the particular speech associated with the alphabet (v) is 'represented' in your head a particular way. 
This representation, if muddled up,  would make normal speech and assessment of hearing very difficult, though not impossible (a very arduous training is required to overcome this impairment).