Data_Sheet_1_The predictive function of Swedish word accents.xlsx

Swedish lexical word accents have been repeatedly said to have a low functional load. Even so, the language has kept these tones ever since they emerged probably over a thousand years ago. This article proposes that the primary function of word accents is for listeners to be able to predict upcoming morphological structures and narrow down the lexical competition rather than being lexically distinctive. Psycho- and neurophysiological evidence for the predictive function of word accents is discussed. A novel analysis displays that word accents have a facilitative role in word processing. Specifically, a correlation is revealed between how much incorrect word accents hinder listeners’ processing and how much they reduce response times when correct. Finally, a dual-route model of the predictive use of word accents with distinct neural substrates is put forth.学界普遍认为瑞典语词汇重音的功能负荷较低。即便如此，自约千年前出现以来，该语言始终保留了这些音调重音。本文提出，词汇重音的核心功能并非用于词汇区分，而是帮助听者预判即将出现的形态结构，缩小词汇竞争的范围。文中讨论了支持词汇重音预测功能的心理与神经生理学证据。一项全新分析显示，词汇重音在词汇加工过程中具有促进作用。具体而言，研究揭示了错误词汇重音对听者加工的阻碍程度，与正确词汇重音缩短反应时的程度之间存在相关性。最后，本文提出了一个关于词汇重音预测性使用的双通道模型，该模型拥有独特的神经底物。