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Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Examining Online Syntactic Processing of Spoken Complex Sentences in Chinese Using Dual-Modal Interference Tasks
Published on: September 5, 2019
Cognitive supports and cognitive constraints on comprehension of spoken language
Arthur Wingfield1, Patricia A Tun
1Department of Psychology and Volen National Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University, USA.
Abstract:
Although comprehension of spoken language is ordinarily conducted without apparent effort, it is among the most complex of human activities. We illustrate this complexity by outlining the operations involved at the perceptual, attentional, and linguistic levels necessary for successful comprehension of speech in sentences and discourse. We describe how challenges to speech comprehension imposed by hearing loss and cognitive limitations in the capacity of attentional and working memory resources can be counterbalanced to a significant degree by utilization of linguistic knowledge and contextual support, including the use of naturally-occurring speech prosody. We conclude by considering factors that may affect one's willingness to expend the attentional effort that may be necessary for successful listening behavior and comprehension performance.
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