Reference in Discourse

Reference in Discourse

Author: A. A. Kibrik

Publisher: Oxford Studies in Typology and

Published: 2011-09

Total Pages: 683

ISBN-13: 0199215804

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This is the first full study of how people refer to entities in natural discourse. It contributes to the understanding of both linguistic diversity and the cognitive underpinnings of language and it provides a framework for further research in both fields. Andrej Kibrik focuses on the way specific entities are mentioned in natural discourse, during which about every third word usually depends on referential choice. He considers reference as an overt representation of underlying cognitive processes and combines a theoretically-oriented cognitive approach with empirically-based cross-linguistic analysis. He begins by introducing the cognitive approach to discourse analysis and by examining the relationship between discourse studies and linguistic typology. He discusses reference as a linguistic phenomenon, in connection with the traditional notions of deixis, anaphora, givenness, and topicality, and describes the way his theoretical approach is centered on notions of referent activation in working memory. He argues that the speaker is responsible for the shape of discourse and that referential expressions should be understood as choices made by speakers rather than as puzzles to be solved by addressees. Kibrik examines the cross-linguistic aspects of reference and the typology of referential devices, including referring expressions per se, such as free and bound pronouns, and referential aids that help to tell apart the concurrently activated entities. This discussion is based on the data from about 200 languages from around the world. He then proposes a comprehensive model of referential choice, in which he draws on concepts from cognitive linguistics, psycholinguistics, cognitive psychology, and cognitive neuroscience, and applies this to Russian and English. He also draws together his empirical analyses in order to examine what light his analysis of discourse can shed on the way information is processed in working memory. In the final part of the book Andrej Kibrik offers a wider perspective, including deixis, referential aspects of gesticulation and signed languages. This pioneering work will interest linguists and cognitive scientists interested in discourse, reference, typology, and the operations of working memory in linguistic communication.


Book Synopsis Reference in Discourse by : A. A. Kibrik

Download or read book Reference in Discourse written by A. A. Kibrik and published by Oxford Studies in Typology and. This book was released on 2011-09 with total page 683 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is the first full study of how people refer to entities in natural discourse. It contributes to the understanding of both linguistic diversity and the cognitive underpinnings of language and it provides a framework for further research in both fields. Andrej Kibrik focuses on the way specific entities are mentioned in natural discourse, during which about every third word usually depends on referential choice. He considers reference as an overt representation of underlying cognitive processes and combines a theoretically-oriented cognitive approach with empirically-based cross-linguistic analysis. He begins by introducing the cognitive approach to discourse analysis and by examining the relationship between discourse studies and linguistic typology. He discusses reference as a linguistic phenomenon, in connection with the traditional notions of deixis, anaphora, givenness, and topicality, and describes the way his theoretical approach is centered on notions of referent activation in working memory. He argues that the speaker is responsible for the shape of discourse and that referential expressions should be understood as choices made by speakers rather than as puzzles to be solved by addressees. Kibrik examines the cross-linguistic aspects of reference and the typology of referential devices, including referring expressions per se, such as free and bound pronouns, and referential aids that help to tell apart the concurrently activated entities. This discussion is based on the data from about 200 languages from around the world. He then proposes a comprehensive model of referential choice, in which he draws on concepts from cognitive linguistics, psycholinguistics, cognitive psychology, and cognitive neuroscience, and applies this to Russian and English. He also draws together his empirical analyses in order to examine what light his analysis of discourse can shed on the way information is processed in working memory. In the final part of the book Andrej Kibrik offers a wider perspective, including deixis, referential aspects of gesticulation and signed languages. This pioneering work will interest linguists and cognitive scientists interested in discourse, reference, typology, and the operations of working memory in linguistic communication.


Reference to Abstract Objects in Discourse

Reference to Abstract Objects in Discourse

Author: Nicholas Asher

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 468

ISBN-13: 9401117152

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Reference to Abstract Objects in Discourse presents a novel framework and analysis of the ways we refer to abstract objects in natural language discourse. The book begins with a typology of abstract objects and related entities like eventualities. After an introduction to `bottom up, compositional' discourse representation theory (DRT) and to previous work on abstract objects in DRT (notably work on the semantics of the attitudes), the book turns to a semantic analysis of eventuality and abstract object denoting nominals in English. The book then substantially revises and extends the dynamic semantic framework of DRT to develop an analysis of anaphoric reference to abstract objects and eventualities that exploits discourse structure and the discourse relations that obtain between elements of the structure. A dynamic, semantically based theory of discourse structure (SDRT) is proposed, along with many illustrative examples. Two further chapters then provide the analysis of anaphoric reference to propositions VP ellipsis. The abstract entity anaphoric antecedents are elements of the discourse structures that SDRT develops. The final chapter discusses some logical and philosophical difficulties for a semantic analysis of reference to abstract objects. For semanticists, philosophers of language, computer scientists interested in natural language applications and discourse, philosophical logicians, graduate students in linguistics, philosophy, cognitive science and artificial intelligence.


Book Synopsis Reference to Abstract Objects in Discourse by : Nicholas Asher

Download or read book Reference to Abstract Objects in Discourse written by Nicholas Asher and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 468 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Reference to Abstract Objects in Discourse presents a novel framework and analysis of the ways we refer to abstract objects in natural language discourse. The book begins with a typology of abstract objects and related entities like eventualities. After an introduction to `bottom up, compositional' discourse representation theory (DRT) and to previous work on abstract objects in DRT (notably work on the semantics of the attitudes), the book turns to a semantic analysis of eventuality and abstract object denoting nominals in English. The book then substantially revises and extends the dynamic semantic framework of DRT to develop an analysis of anaphoric reference to abstract objects and eventualities that exploits discourse structure and the discourse relations that obtain between elements of the structure. A dynamic, semantically based theory of discourse structure (SDRT) is proposed, along with many illustrative examples. Two further chapters then provide the analysis of anaphoric reference to propositions VP ellipsis. The abstract entity anaphoric antecedents are elements of the discourse structures that SDRT develops. The final chapter discusses some logical and philosophical difficulties for a semantic analysis of reference to abstract objects. For semanticists, philosophers of language, computer scientists interested in natural language applications and discourse, philosophical logicians, graduate students in linguistics, philosophy, cognitive science and artificial intelligence.


The Diachrony of Definiteness in North Germanic

The Diachrony of Definiteness in North Germanic

Author: Dominika Skrzypek

Publisher: BRILL

Published: 2021-05-25

Total Pages: 274

ISBN-13: 9004463682

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This book is an account of the rise of definite and indefinite articles in Danish, Swedish and Icelandic, as documented in a choice of extant texts from 1200-1550. These three North Germanic languages show different development patterns in the rise of articles, despite the common origin, but each reveals interdependencies between the two processes. The matter is approached from both a quantitative and a qualitative perspective. The statistical analysis provides an improved overview on article grammaticalization, focusing on the factors at the basis of such process. The in-depth qualitative analysis of longer text passages places the crucial stage of the definite article grammaticalization with the so-called indirect anaphoric reference.


Book Synopsis The Diachrony of Definiteness in North Germanic by : Dominika Skrzypek

Download or read book The Diachrony of Definiteness in North Germanic written by Dominika Skrzypek and published by BRILL. This book was released on 2021-05-25 with total page 274 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is an account of the rise of definite and indefinite articles in Danish, Swedish and Icelandic, as documented in a choice of extant texts from 1200-1550. These three North Germanic languages show different development patterns in the rise of articles, despite the common origin, but each reveals interdependencies between the two processes. The matter is approached from both a quantitative and a qualitative perspective. The statistical analysis provides an improved overview on article grammaticalization, focusing on the factors at the basis of such process. The in-depth qualitative analysis of longer text passages places the crucial stage of the definite article grammaticalization with the so-called indirect anaphoric reference.


Discourse Analysis

Discourse Analysis

Author: Gillian Brown

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 1983-07-28

Total Pages: 306

ISBN-13: 9780521284752

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An exploration of how any language produced by man, spoken or written, is used to communicate for a purpose and within a context.


Book Synopsis Discourse Analysis by : Gillian Brown

Download or read book Discourse Analysis written by Gillian Brown and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 1983-07-28 with total page 306 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An exploration of how any language produced by man, spoken or written, is used to communicate for a purpose and within a context.


Discourse and the Continuity of Reference

Discourse and the Continuity of Reference

Author: Cornelia Zelinsky-Wibbelt

Publisher: Walter de Gruyter

Published: 2011-09-06

Total Pages: 369

ISBN-13: 3110808692

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Book Synopsis Discourse and the Continuity of Reference by : Cornelia Zelinsky-Wibbelt

Download or read book Discourse and the Continuity of Reference written by Cornelia Zelinsky-Wibbelt and published by Walter de Gruyter. This book was released on 2011-09-06 with total page 369 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


Methods of Text and Discourse Analysis

Methods of Text and Discourse Analysis

Author: Stefan Titscher

Publisher: SAGE

Published: 2000-07-26

Total Pages: 288

ISBN-13: 1446232840

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′This volume is the most comprehensive overview to date of sociologically orientated approaches to text and discourse analysis and is worth reading even for those who are interested only in purely linguistiv approaches to text and discourse. Its main merit, I think, is that it intorduces approaches which up to now have hardley been admitted into the universe of scientific discourse′ - Discourse Studies Methods of Text and Discourse Analysis provides the most comprehensive overview currently available of linguistic and sociological approaches to text and discourse analysis. Among the 10 linguistic and sociological models surveyed in this book some of the more important are Grounded Theory, Content Analysis, Conversation Analysis and Critical Discourse Analysis. The book presents each approach according to a standardised format, which allows for direct systematic comparisons. The fully annotated lists of sources provide readers with an additional means of evaluation of the competing analytical methods. Interdisciplinary and international in its aims, Methods of Text and Discourse Analysis suggests the benefits both linguists and sociologists will derive from a more intimate knowledge of each others′ methods and procedures.


Book Synopsis Methods of Text and Discourse Analysis by : Stefan Titscher

Download or read book Methods of Text and Discourse Analysis written by Stefan Titscher and published by SAGE. This book was released on 2000-07-26 with total page 288 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ′This volume is the most comprehensive overview to date of sociologically orientated approaches to text and discourse analysis and is worth reading even for those who are interested only in purely linguistiv approaches to text and discourse. Its main merit, I think, is that it intorduces approaches which up to now have hardley been admitted into the universe of scientific discourse′ - Discourse Studies Methods of Text and Discourse Analysis provides the most comprehensive overview currently available of linguistic and sociological approaches to text and discourse analysis. Among the 10 linguistic and sociological models surveyed in this book some of the more important are Grounded Theory, Content Analysis, Conversation Analysis and Critical Discourse Analysis. The book presents each approach according to a standardised format, which allows for direct systematic comparisons. The fully annotated lists of sources provide readers with an additional means of evaluation of the competing analytical methods. Interdisciplinary and international in its aims, Methods of Text and Discourse Analysis suggests the benefits both linguists and sociologists will derive from a more intimate knowledge of each others′ methods and procedures.


The Role of Discourse Analysis for Translation and in Translator Training

The Role of Discourse Analysis for Translation and in Translator Training

Author: Christina Schäffner

Publisher: Multilingual Matters

Published: 2002-01-01

Total Pages: 106

ISBN-13: 9781853595936

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It has been widely recognised that an in-depth textual analysis of a source text is relevant for translation. This book discusses the role of Discourse Analysis for translation and translator training. One particular model of discourse analysis is presented in detail, and its application in the context of translator training is critically examined.


Book Synopsis The Role of Discourse Analysis for Translation and in Translator Training by : Christina Schäffner

Download or read book The Role of Discourse Analysis for Translation and in Translator Training written by Christina Schäffner and published by Multilingual Matters. This book was released on 2002-01-01 with total page 106 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It has been widely recognised that an in-depth textual analysis of a source text is relevant for translation. This book discusses the role of Discourse Analysis for translation and translator training. One particular model of discourse analysis is presented in detail, and its application in the context of translator training is critically examined.


Discourse Analysis

Discourse Analysis

Author: Nelson Phillips

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Published: 2002-06-12

Total Pages: 104

ISBN-13: 1506319688

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Discourse Analysis: Investigating Processes of Social Construction is the first book to provide a concise, straightforward guide for students and researchers who are interested in understanding and using discourse analysis. The authors reflect on the practice of analyzing discourse and the potential for revealing the processes of social construction that constitute social and organizational life. Addressed to graduate students, academics, and experienced researchers, this book is a comprehensive guide for those new to discourse analysis as well as for researchers in need of a complement to other modes of inquiry.


Book Synopsis Discourse Analysis by : Nelson Phillips

Download or read book Discourse Analysis written by Nelson Phillips and published by SAGE Publications. This book was released on 2002-06-12 with total page 104 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Discourse Analysis: Investigating Processes of Social Construction is the first book to provide a concise, straightforward guide for students and researchers who are interested in understanding and using discourse analysis. The authors reflect on the practice of analyzing discourse and the potential for revealing the processes of social construction that constitute social and organizational life. Addressed to graduate students, academics, and experienced researchers, this book is a comprehensive guide for those new to discourse analysis as well as for researchers in need of a complement to other modes of inquiry.


Reference and Anaphoric Relations

Reference and Anaphoric Relations

Author: H.K. von Heusinger

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 347

ISBN-13: 9401139474

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This book is a collection of original research articles on the representation and in terpretation of indefinite and definite noun phrases, anaphoric pronouns, and closely related issues such as reference, scope and quantifier movement. A variety of frame works for the formal analysis of discourse semantics are represented, including dis course representation theory, file change semantics, dynamic Logic, E-type theories, and choice function approaches, which was one of the main issues the Konstanz project were concerned with. All of these frameworks are couched in the tradition of Montague Grammar, even though they extend the classical formalism in different directions. The developments emerged from the modern discussion of problems for the representation of cross-sentential anaphoric relations involving pronouns, and the interpretation of definite and indefinite noun phrases. After a decade of controversy, these approaches are merging together, enriching each other's formal mechanisms rather than expressing opposition. Thus, the articles in this volume concentrate on fundamental semantic questions, and also extend the current formalisms in order to capture more data. The roots of this book lie in the workshop "Reference and Anaphoric Relations", which was held at the University of Konstanz in June 1996. Five main issues were discussed: (i) the Stoic and scholastic treatment of reference and anaphora; (ii) quan tification and scope, (iii) anaphoric reference; (iv) the representation of indefinite NPs with choice functions; and (v) the relation between linguistic expressions, their rep resentations and their meanings.


Book Synopsis Reference and Anaphoric Relations by : H.K. von Heusinger

Download or read book Reference and Anaphoric Relations written by H.K. von Heusinger and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 347 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is a collection of original research articles on the representation and in terpretation of indefinite and definite noun phrases, anaphoric pronouns, and closely related issues such as reference, scope and quantifier movement. A variety of frame works for the formal analysis of discourse semantics are represented, including dis course representation theory, file change semantics, dynamic Logic, E-type theories, and choice function approaches, which was one of the main issues the Konstanz project were concerned with. All of these frameworks are couched in the tradition of Montague Grammar, even though they extend the classical formalism in different directions. The developments emerged from the modern discussion of problems for the representation of cross-sentential anaphoric relations involving pronouns, and the interpretation of definite and indefinite noun phrases. After a decade of controversy, these approaches are merging together, enriching each other's formal mechanisms rather than expressing opposition. Thus, the articles in this volume concentrate on fundamental semantic questions, and also extend the current formalisms in order to capture more data. The roots of this book lie in the workshop "Reference and Anaphoric Relations", which was held at the University of Konstanz in June 1996. Five main issues were discussed: (i) the Stoic and scholastic treatment of reference and anaphora; (ii) quan tification and scope, (iii) anaphoric reference; (iv) the representation of indefinite NPs with choice functions; and (v) the relation between linguistic expressions, their rep resentations and their meanings.


Referring to discourse participants in Ibero-Romance languages

Referring to discourse participants in Ibero-Romance languages

Author: Pekka Posio

Publisher: Language Science Press

Published: 2023-09-29

Total Pages: 360

ISBN-13: 3961104166

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This volume brings together contributions by researchers focusing on personal pronouns in Ibero-Romance languages, going beyond the well-established variable of expressed vs. non-expressed subjects. While factors such as agreement morphology, topic shift and contrast or emphasis have been argued to account for variable subject expression, several corpus studies on Ibero-Romance languages have shown that the expression of subject pronouns goes beyond these traditionally established factors and is also subject to considerable dialectal variation. One of the factors affecting choice and expression of personal pronouns or other referential devices is whether the construction is used personally or impersonally. The use and emergence of new impersonal constructions, eventually also new (im)personal pronouns, as well as the variation found in the expression of human impersonality in different Ibero-Romance language varieties is another interesting research area that has gained ground in the recent years. In addition to variable subject expression, similar methods and theoretical approaches have been applied to study the expression of objects. Finally, the reference to the addressee(s) using different address pronouns and other address forms is an important field of study that is closely connected to the variable expression of pronouns. The present book sheds light on all these aspects of reference to discourse participants. The volume contains contributions with a strong empirical background and various methods and both written and spoken corpus data from Ibero-Romance languages. The focus on discourse participants highlights the special properties of first and second person referents and the factors affecting them that are often different from the anaphoric third person. The chapters are organized into three thematic sections: (i) Variable expression of subjects and objects, (ii) Between personal and impersonal, and (iii) Reference to the addressee.


Book Synopsis Referring to discourse participants in Ibero-Romance languages by : Pekka Posio

Download or read book Referring to discourse participants in Ibero-Romance languages written by Pekka Posio and published by Language Science Press. This book was released on 2023-09-29 with total page 360 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume brings together contributions by researchers focusing on personal pronouns in Ibero-Romance languages, going beyond the well-established variable of expressed vs. non-expressed subjects. While factors such as agreement morphology, topic shift and contrast or emphasis have been argued to account for variable subject expression, several corpus studies on Ibero-Romance languages have shown that the expression of subject pronouns goes beyond these traditionally established factors and is also subject to considerable dialectal variation. One of the factors affecting choice and expression of personal pronouns or other referential devices is whether the construction is used personally or impersonally. The use and emergence of new impersonal constructions, eventually also new (im)personal pronouns, as well as the variation found in the expression of human impersonality in different Ibero-Romance language varieties is another interesting research area that has gained ground in the recent years. In addition to variable subject expression, similar methods and theoretical approaches have been applied to study the expression of objects. Finally, the reference to the addressee(s) using different address pronouns and other address forms is an important field of study that is closely connected to the variable expression of pronouns. The present book sheds light on all these aspects of reference to discourse participants. The volume contains contributions with a strong empirical background and various methods and both written and spoken corpus data from Ibero-Romance languages. The focus on discourse participants highlights the special properties of first and second person referents and the factors affecting them that are often different from the anaphoric third person. The chapters are organized into three thematic sections: (i) Variable expression of subjects and objects, (ii) Between personal and impersonal, and (iii) Reference to the addressee.