Bestgen, Y., & Vonk, W. (1995). The role of temporal segmentation markers in discourse processing. Discourse Processes, 19(3), 385-406.

Bestgen,Y.; Vonk, W.

1995

Bestgen, Y., & Vonk, W. (1995). The role of temporal segmentation markers in discourse processing. Discourse Processes, 19(3), 385-406.

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Recent studies have shown that temporal expressions like "around 2 o'clock" and "then" are used by speakers and writers to signal thematic shift and that "and" signals continuity in narratives. The role of these markers was investigated by measuring the availability of words from the preceding text. Results from 3 experiments suggest that temporal markers modify the availability of preceding words. Segmentation markers like around 2 o'clock and then reduce this availability, whereas continuity markers like and improve this availability. Results are compatible with the hypothesis that segmentation markers lead readers not to integrate new information with preceding information, but to put the new information into a separate structure.

Results of this third experiment confirm the results of the two preceding experiments: temporal markers of segmentation reduce the availability of the information in the first sentence. More importantly, this experiment indicated that 'and' signals a stronger continuity than when no marker is present.

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