The role of temporal segmentation markers in discourse processing

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Abstract
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 is used to signal continuity in narratives. This article focuses on the comprehension function of these markers. The role of the markers was investigated by measuring the availability of words from the preceding text. Results from three 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. These results are compatible with the hypothesis that segmentation markers lead readers to not integrate new information with preceding information, but to put the new information into a separate structure.