Abstract
Based on phonetic experiment and statistical analysis, we investigate the effect of information structure on the distribution of stress degree in Chinese reading texts. Different types of information status and stress degree are examined on lexical and referential levels. The lexical information status consists of given, accessible and new information, while the referential information status consists of given, bridging, unused, new and generic information. The results show that i) on both levels, new information is more prominent than given information, and the newer the information is, the higher stress degree it gets; ii) on referential level specifically, stress degree varies in different types of new information, with a referring expression regarded as definite discourse-new more prominent than other new information; iii) a combined investigation of both referential and lexical levels could reveal the relationship between information structure and stress degree in Chinese reading texts.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
