Abstract: Using cross-model word recognition task, this study explored the effect of inconsistent accentuation on activation of new information and correspondent old information in discourse representation, during on-line spoken discourse processing. The results showed that: compared to control condition, although inconsistent accentuation enhanced old information’s activation in discourse representation, it inhibited the activation of new information; the facilitating and inhibiting effect occurred about 500 ms after the offset of old word which was accented. Therefore, with respect to new information which was important to language processing, inconsistent accentuation impeded spoken discourse comprehension; meanwhile, inconsistent accentuation indeed influenced on-line discourse processing.

Key words: inconsistent accentuation, discourse, information structure, activation