The study empirically examines the interpretation of focus accents in German. To this end, a methodology is developed, and it is discussed how experimental investigation can proceed at the current state of the focus theory. Methodologically, experiments directly measuring interpretation provide an alternative to the widespread practice of using only empirical preference and production data to investigate the interpretation of stimuli, and it is shown why such an alternative is necessary.

This collection of papers reflects a new generation of junior researchers in the field of applied linguistics. They met at the international conference in January 2007 in Groningen (the Netherlands).