Chapter 1 General Introduction 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Models of Spoken Word Recognition 1.1.1 The Cohort Model 1.1.2 TRACE 1.1.3 Shortlist 1.1.4 Neighborhood Activation Model 1.1.5 Summary of Spoken Word Recognition Models 1.2 Forms of Lexical Representations: Abstract vs. Episodic 1.3 Research Questions 1.4 Overview Chapter 2 Priming the Representation of Mandarin Tone 3 Sandhi Words 2.0 Introduction 2.1 The Current Study 2.2 Methods 2.2.1 Subjects 2.2.2 Stimuli 2.2.3 Stimulus Recording 2.2.4 Procedure 2.3 Predictions 2.4 Results 2.4.1 Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) Analyses 2.4.1.1 General Effect 2.4.1.2 Error Analyses 2.4.1.3 Facilitation Effect 2.4.1.4 First Syllable Frequency Analyses 2.4.1.5 Second Syllable Frequency Analyses 2.4.2 Linear Mixed-Effects Model 2.5 Discussion 2.6 Conclusion Chapter 3 Priming the Representation of Southern Min Tone Sandhi Words 3.0 Introduction 3.1 The Current Study 3.2 Methods 3.2.1 Participants 3.2.2 Stimuli 3.2.3 Stimulus Recording 3.2.4 Procedure 3.3 Results 3.4 Discussion 3.5 Conclusion Chapter 4 An ERP Study on Mandarin Tone 3 Sandhi Processing 4.0 Neurophysiological Studies on Lexical Tone Processing 4.1 The Current Mismatch Negativity Experiment 4.2 Methods 4.2.1 Participants 4.2.2 Stimuli 4.2.3 Design 4.2.4 Procedure 4.2.5 EEG Recordings