Contrastive stress in English
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Kate Scott
Abstract
In this chapter I consider where contrastive stress fits within the relevance-theoretic model of utterance interpretation. In particular, I focus on contrastive stress as a cue to ostension which layers on top of the ostensive act of producing an utterance and which guides inferential processes. Stress patterns, however, only act as a cue to ostension when they are unexpected. It is the disconfirmation of expectations that puts the hearer to more effort and prompts the search for extra interpretive effects. The discussions in this chapter build on existing work on both prosody and pragmatics and the conclusions drawn have implications for our understanding of inferential processes, procedural meaning, and ostensive communication more generally.
Abstract
In this chapter I consider where contrastive stress fits within the relevance-theoretic model of utterance interpretation. In particular, I focus on contrastive stress as a cue to ostension which layers on top of the ostensive act of producing an utterance and which guides inferential processes. Stress patterns, however, only act as a cue to ostension when they are unexpected. It is the disconfirmation of expectations that puts the hearer to more effort and prompts the search for extra interpretive effects. The discussions in this chapter build on existing work on both prosody and pragmatics and the conclusions drawn have implications for our understanding of inferential processes, procedural meaning, and ostensive communication more generally.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Introduction 1
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Section 1. Beyond meaning
- Beyond meaning NN and ostension 11
- Contrastive stress in English 29
- Presupposition effects 43
- Metaphor comprehension 61
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Section 2. Beyond meaning
- Conceptual mappings and contextual assumptions 79
- An experiential view on what makes literature relevant 99
- Humorous means, serious messages 119
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Section 3. Furthur beyond
- Experiences of ineffable significance 135
- Hushed tones 151
- Onomatopoeia, impressions and text on screen 161
- Before meaning 177
- Index 199
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Introduction 1
-
Section 1. Beyond meaning
- Beyond meaning NN and ostension 11
- Contrastive stress in English 29
- Presupposition effects 43
- Metaphor comprehension 61
-
Section 2. Beyond meaning
- Conceptual mappings and contextual assumptions 79
- An experiential view on what makes literature relevant 99
- Humorous means, serious messages 119
-
Section 3. Furthur beyond
- Experiences of ineffable significance 135
- Hushed tones 151
- Onomatopoeia, impressions and text on screen 161
- Before meaning 177
- Index 199
