The block/mini-block sequences used in (A) the semantic categorization tasks and (B) the non-semantic task.

(A) Two block sequences (a, b) were counterbalanced for the two semantic categorization tasks, and between participants. Each semantic task consisted of 3 sets of 3 repeating blocks. Each set included its unique list of words in one of three prosodic modulations: M- monotonic modulation, P- persistent prosodic modulation or V- variably changing modulation. The durations of each task block and rest interval were 15 and 18 seconds, respectively. (B) For the non-semantic task each word (word A, word B) was presented in two sets of three mini-blocks in one of two prosodic modulations: C - Consistent pitch contour in all repetitions of the same word; or V – variable, changing pitch contour between repetitions of the same word Two mini-block sequences (a, b) were counterbalanced between the participants.. Each mini-block's duration was 6 sec and the duration of the between mini-blocks intervals was 9 sec; intervals between sets of mini-blocks −18 sec.