7. Dependency precedes independence: Online evidence from discourse processing
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Petra B. Schumacher
Abstract
This paper investigates the integration of definite determiner phrases (DPs) as a function of their contextual salience, which is reflected in the degree of dependency on prior information. DPs depend on previously established discourse referents or introduce a new, independent discourse referent. This paper presents a formal model that explains how discourse referents are represented in the language system and what kind of mechanisms are implemented during DP interpretation. Experimental data from an event-related potential study are discussed that demonstrate how definite DPs are integrated in real-time processing. The data provide evidence for two distinct mechanisms – Specify R and Establish Independent File Card – and substantiate a model that includes various processes and constraints at the level of discourse representation.
Abstract
This paper investigates the integration of definite determiner phrases (DPs) as a function of their contextual salience, which is reflected in the degree of dependency on prior information. DPs depend on previously established discourse referents or introduce a new, independent discourse referent. This paper presents a formal model that explains how discourse referents are represented in the language system and what kind of mechanisms are implemented during DP interpretation. Experimental data from an event-related potential study are discussed that demonstrate how definite DPs are integrated in real-time processing. The data provide evidence for two distinct mechanisms – Specify R and Establish Independent File Card – and substantiate a model that includes various processes and constraints at the level of discourse representation.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Acknowledgements vii
- 1. Constraints in discourse 1
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Part I. The Right Frontier
- 2. Troubles on right frontier 29
- 3. The moving right frontier 53
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Part II. Comparing Frameworks
- 4. Strong generative capacity of RST, SDRT and discourse dependency DAGSs 69
- 5. Rhetorical distance revisited: A parameterized approach 97
- 6. Underspecified discourse representation 117
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Part III. The Cognitive Perspective
- 7. Dependency precedes independence: Online evidence from discourse processing 141
- 8. Accessing discourse referents introduced in negated phrases: Evidence for accomodation? 159
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Part IV. Language Specific Phenomena
- 9. Complex anaphors in discourse 181
- 10. The discourse functions of the present perfect 201
- 11. German right dislocation and afterthought in discourse 225
- 12. A discourse-relational approach to continuation 249
- 13. German vorfeld-filling as constraint interaction 267
- Index 291
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Acknowledgements vii
- 1. Constraints in discourse 1
-
Part I. The Right Frontier
- 2. Troubles on right frontier 29
- 3. The moving right frontier 53
-
Part II. Comparing Frameworks
- 4. Strong generative capacity of RST, SDRT and discourse dependency DAGSs 69
- 5. Rhetorical distance revisited: A parameterized approach 97
- 6. Underspecified discourse representation 117
-
Part III. The Cognitive Perspective
- 7. Dependency precedes independence: Online evidence from discourse processing 141
- 8. Accessing discourse referents introduced in negated phrases: Evidence for accomodation? 159
-
Part IV. Language Specific Phenomena
- 9. Complex anaphors in discourse 181
- 10. The discourse functions of the present perfect 201
- 11. German right dislocation and afterthought in discourse 225
- 12. A discourse-relational approach to continuation 249
- 13. German vorfeld-filling as constraint interaction 267
- Index 291
