Literal analysis and idiom retrieval in ambiguous idioms processing: A reading-time study

We investigated the relationships between integration of the literal meaning of the idiom words and activation of the idiomatic meaning using self-paced reading times. Participants read short stories in which predictable and unpredictable ambiguous idioms were followed by literal or idiomatic sentences disambiguating the contextually appropriate interpretation. Literal sentences were read faster when preceded by unpredictable idioms than by predictable idioms, and faster than idiomatic sentences when preceded by unpredictable idioms. Idiomatic sentences were read faster than literal sentences when preceded by predictable idioms confirming that predictable idioms were resolved idiomatically earlier on than unpredictable idioms. Idiomatic sentences were read equally fast no matter whether they were preceded by predictable or unpredictable idioms suggesting that the idiomatic meaning was available in both cases. Overall the results showed interplay between literal compositional processes and idiomatic meaning retrieval modulated by the point at which the idiomatic meaning became available.