Abstract(s)
This study investigated how pragmatic inference making is modulated by information
structure in preceding text. We created three types of two-clause structures in which
the interpretation of a critical word in the second clause was dependent on the
engagement of pragmatic inference as well as a successful establishment of a
referential relation between the target word and an intended antecedent in the
preceding text. An enhanced P600 response was elicited by target words when the
intended referent was in non-topic position compared to topic position or sub-topic
position. Moreover, a reduced N400 was elicited by the target word when the
intended referent in the preceding clause was in non-topic position, compared to topic
position. These findings suggest that the process of building an inferential relation can
benefit from information structural prominence of topicality.