Implicature of complex sentences in error models
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Anton Benz
Abstract
Due to their intensive discussion, implicatures of complex sentences became a kind of benchmark for testing different frameworks of Gricean pragmatics. We propose a novel approach which is based on a communication model with feedback and speaker errors in signal selection. The communication model is introduced as an extension of standard signalling games. In this model, implicatures are explained by the speaker’s tendency to omit parts of their utterances. In this explanation, the error coping strategy of the hearer plays an essential role. In order to account for implicature cancellation, clausal implicatures, and implicatures of complex sentences with disjunction, an additional nonmonotonic component is needed which represents normality assumptions about the level of speaker expertise. Keywords: complex sentences; error models; game theory; preferential models; scalar implicatures
Abstract
Due to their intensive discussion, implicatures of complex sentences became a kind of benchmark for testing different frameworks of Gricean pragmatics. We propose a novel approach which is based on a communication model with feedback and speaker errors in signal selection. The communication model is introduced as an extension of standard signalling games. In this model, implicatures are explained by the speaker’s tendency to omit parts of their utterances. In this explanation, the error coping strategy of the hearer plays an essential role. In order to account for implicature cancellation, clausal implicatures, and implicatures of complex sentences with disjunction, an additional nonmonotonic component is needed which represents normality assumptions about the level of speaker expertise. Keywords: complex sentences; error models; game theory; preferential models; scalar implicatures
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents vii
- List of contributors ix
- Preface xi
- Practical theories and empirical practice – facets of a complex interaction 1
-
Part I. Empirical practice
- The embodiment of linguistic meaning 35
- Infants’ encoding of social interaction as a conceptual foundation for the acquisition of argument structure 55
- Referring to colour and taste in Kilivila 71
- Yucatec demonstratives in interaction 99
- Many languages, one knowledge base 129
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Part II. Practical theories
- Nen assentives and the phenomenon of dialogic parallelisms 159
- Evidentiality, modality, focus and other puzzles 185
- Does Searle’s challenge affect chances for approximating assertion and quotative modal wollen ? 245
- The pragmatics of argumentation 257
- Implicature of complex sentences in error models 273
- The semantics of functional spaces 307
- Language index 325
- Name index 327
- Subject index 333
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents vii
- List of contributors ix
- Preface xi
- Practical theories and empirical practice – facets of a complex interaction 1
-
Part I. Empirical practice
- The embodiment of linguistic meaning 35
- Infants’ encoding of social interaction as a conceptual foundation for the acquisition of argument structure 55
- Referring to colour and taste in Kilivila 71
- Yucatec demonstratives in interaction 99
- Many languages, one knowledge base 129
-
Part II. Practical theories
- Nen assentives and the phenomenon of dialogic parallelisms 159
- Evidentiality, modality, focus and other puzzles 185
- Does Searle’s challenge affect chances for approximating assertion and quotative modal wollen ? 245
- The pragmatics of argumentation 257
- Implicature of complex sentences in error models 273
- The semantics of functional spaces 307
- Language index 325
- Name index 327
- Subject index 333
