What does “I will, yeah!” mean? Can chatbots do pragmatics?

Apx.1.1 Copilot Test 1-Context and reference

Copilot Response:

Lorcan was the one who dropped the pizza and was hopping mad after that. The Bay of Pigs invasion was a failed CIA-led attack to overthrow Cuban leader Fidel Castro in 1961, launched by 1,400 American-trained Cubans who surrendered after less than 24 hours of fighting. The invasion was doomed by bad planning, bad weather, and Castro’s surprise response¹²³⁴. As for who dropped the pizza, it was Lorcan himself.

Information sources provided by Copilot:

Apx.1.2 Knowledge of speech acts, inferences and implications

Copilot Response:

It seems like you are asking about the speech acts, implications, and common ground related to a situation involving Lorcan and a dropped pizza. However, I don’t have enough information to provide a specific answer to your questions. Could you please provide more context or clarify your question? I’m here to help!

If you are interested in learning more about Lorcan, I can tell you that it is an Irish name that means “little fierce one”¹.

Unfortunately, I don’t have any information about a specific person named Lorcan who dropped a pizza. If you have any more information or context, please let me know and I’ll do my best to help you.

Information sources provided by Copilot: ¹reddit.com

Apx.1.3 Copilot Test 3-Evaluating a context change-1

Copilot Response:

In the context of the conversation between the mother and her son, the phrase “I will, yeah” is a colloquial way of saying “Yes, I will have ice cream after my pizza”¹. The son’s response is affirmative and indicates that he would like to have ice cream after his pizza. The use of the word “yeah” at the end of the sentence is a common way of expressing agreement or confirmation in casual conversations¹². It is important to note that the phrase “I will, yeah” is not a formal or standard way of responding to a question, but rather a more relaxed and informal way of speaking.

Information sources provided by Copilot:

Apx.1.4 Copilot Test 4-Evaluating a context change-2

Copilot Response:

In the context of the conversation between the mother and her son, the phrase “I will, yeah” is a colloquial way of saying “Yes, I will tidy my bedroom”¹. The son’s response is affirmative and indicates that he will tidy his bedroom. The use of the word “yeah” at the end of the sentence is a common way of expressing agreement or confirmation in casual conversations¹². It is important to note that the phrase “I will, yeah” is not a formal or standard way of responding to a question, but rather a more relaxed and informal way of speaking.

Information sources provided by Copilot:

Apx.1.5 Copilot Test 5-Knowledge of speech acts and common ground

Copilot Response:

The two previous examples of dialogue involve speech acts. A speech act is an utterance defined in terms of a speaker’s intention and the effect it has on a listener¹. In the first example, the mother asks the son if he would like to have ice cream after his pizza, which is a request speech act. The son’s response, “I will, yeah” is an acceptance speech act, indicating that he agrees to have ice cream after his pizza². In the second example, the mother asks the son if he will tidy his bedroom, which is also a request speech act. The son’s response, “I will, yeah” is again an acceptance speech act, indicating that he agrees to tidy his bedroom².

From these examples, we can infer that the son is a teenager who is able to understand and respond to his mother’s requests. We can also infer that the mother and son have a casual and relaxed relationship, as evidenced by the use of colloquial language in their conversation².

The implications of the son’s response, “I will, yeah” are that he is willing to comply with his mother’s request and that he is comfortable expressing himself in a casual and informal manner². The use of the word “yeah” at the end of the sentence is a common way of expressing agreement or confirmation in casual conversations²³.

The information that is now in common ground is that the son has agreed to his mother’s requests in both examples, and that he is comfortable using colloquial language in his responses.

Based on the information provided in the examples, we know that the son is a teenager who is able to understand and respond to his mother’s requests. We do not have any additional information about his personality, interests, or other characteristics.

Information sources provided by Copilot:

Apx.2.1 Gemini Test-1-Context and reference

Gemini provided several responses to the test.

Gemini response-1: [Note: The test is treated as a riddle!]

The answer to the riddle is Lorcan dropped the pizza.

Based on the riddle, we can infer that Lorcan was very disappointed when he dropped his pizza. The clue, “hopping mad,” suggests that Lorcan was in a state of anger or frustration. It is possible that he dropped the pizza in a fit of rage.

Here is a breakdown of the riddle:

1. Statement: “Lorcan bought a pizza.”

2. Clue: “Who was hopping mad?”

3. Answer: “Lorcan.”

4. Statement: “What happened at the bay of pigs?”

5. Answer: “The United States tried to overthrow the Cuban government.”

6. Clue: “Who dropped the pizza?”

7. Answer: “Lorcan.”

Gemini response-2:

1. Lorcan was the one who was mad after dropping his pizza. The phrase “hopping mad” is an idiom that means to be extremely angry or upset.

2. The Bay of Pigs was an unsuccessful invasion of Cuba by the United States in 1961. The invasion was intended to overthrow the Cuban government of Fidel Castro. The invasion failed, and the United States suffered a major setback in its Cold War rivalry with the Soviet Union.

3. Lorcan dropped the pizza. This is the main clue to the riddle, as it suggests that Lorcan was the one who was mad. The other clues, such as the Bay of Pigs, are red herrings that are meant to throw you off the track.

Gemini response-3: [Note: This riddle was not requested!]

Here is a possible riddle that makes use of these clues:

Lorcan bought a pizza, his hunger insatiable,

But his dreams were dashed, his hopes unscalable.

Who was mad? It was Lorcan, the dismayed,

His cheesy delight, now a scattered parade.

What happened at the bay? A failed invasion,

A U.S. attempt, a grand frustration.

Who dropped the pizza?

It was Lorcan, the klutz,

His culinary hopes, reduced to a fuss.

Lorcan, the pizza-deprived, his appetite unfed,

His dreams of cheesy bliss, now sadly spread.

He vowed to be careful, with hands so steady,

To avoid the pizza-dropping tragedy.

So let this be a lesson, for all to hear,

To handle pizza with utmost care.

Apx.2.2 Gemini Test-2-Knowledge of speech acts, inferences and implications

Gemini response-1:

Speech acts involved

1. Exposition: The speaker provides information about the character Lorcan, the pizza he bought, and what happened.

2. The speaker asks who was mad, what happened at the bay of the pigs, and who dropped the pizza.

3. Assertion: The speaker states that Lorcan is hopping mad, that the bay of the pigs was a failed invasion, and that Lorcan dropped the pizza.

4. Evaluation: The speaker evaluates Lorcan’s situation as unfortunate and expresses sympathy for his loss. [The speaker did not express sympathy]

Inferences

1. Lorcan bought a pizza and was looking forward to eating it.

2. Lorcan dropped the pizza and was very upset about it.

3. Lorcan is clumsy and often drops things. [There is no basis for this]

4. Lorcan is hungry and could use a pizza. [There is no basis for this]

Implications [Implications are too strong]

1. Lorcan is disappointed that he was unable to eat his pizza.

2. Lorcan should be more careful when handling food.

3. Lorcan should learn from his mistake and avoid dropping pizzas in the future. [There is no basis for this]

Common ground

1. Lorcan bought a pizza.

2. Lorcan was very upset when he dropped the pizza.

3. Lorcan is clumsy. [There is no basis for this implication]

Kind of pizza

1. Lorcan did not specify what kind of pizza he bought. However, the fact that he was looking forward to eating it suggests that it was a pizza that he enjoys. [There is no basis for this]

Information about Lorcan

1. Lorcan is a pizza enthusiast.

2. Lorcan is prone to clumsiness. [There is no basis for this]

3. Lorcan is easily frustrated. [There is no basis for this]

Overall, the riddle tells a story about Lorcan, a pizza enthusiast who is devastated when he drops his pizza. The rhyme scheme and rhythm of the riddle make it engaging and memorable, and the use of metaphors and similes adds depth to the story.

Here are some additional details about Lorcan that can be inferred from the riddle:

1. Lorcan is likely young, as teenagers are often stereotyped as being clumsy and easily frustrated.

2. Lorcan is probably male, as the riddle uses male pronouns when referring to Lorcan.

3. Lorcan is likely not very good at following directions, as he dropped his pizza after buying it.

Gemini response-2:

Speech acts involved: [There is no factual basis to these inferences and implications]

1. Indirect speech act: Lorcan’s dropping of the pizza is implied by the statement “He bought a pizza, hoping for a tasty treat, but instead, he was left feeling quite beat.”

2. Declarative speech act: The statement “Who was mad?” directly asks the listener to guess who was mad.

3. Indirect speech act: The statement “It was Lorcan, the fellow, whose pizza dreams were abruptly felled” implies that Lorcan was the one who was mad.

4. Indirect speech act: The statement “What happened at the bay of pigs?” indirectly asks the listener to guess what happened at the Bay of Pigs.

5. Declarative speech act: The statement “A failed invasion with many a pigs” directly states what happened at the Bay of Pigs.

6. Indirect speech act: The statement “Who dropped the pizza?” indirectly asks the listener to guess who dropped the pizza.

7. Indirect speech act: The statement “It was I, in a fit” implies that Lorcan was the one who dropped the pizza.

Implications: [There is no factual basis for these incorrect implications]

1. The statement “Lorcan bought a pizza” implies that Lorcan was hungry.

2. The statement “He bought a pizza, hoping for a tasty treat” implies that Lorcan was looking forward to eating the pizza.

3. The statement “He was hopping mad after this” implies that Lorcan was very angry after dropping the pizza.

4. The statement “His pizza dreams were abruptly felled” implies that Lorcan was very disappointed after dropping the pizza.

5. The statement “Who dropped the pizza?” implies that the listener is supposed to guess who dropped the pizza.

List of implications: [There is no factual basis for these implications]

1. Lorcan was hungry.

2. Lorcan was looking forward to eating the pizza.

3. Lorcan was very angry after dropping the pizza.

4. Lorcan was very disappointed after dropping the pizza.

5. The listener is supposed to guess who dropped the pizza.

Common ground:

1. The listener knows that Lorcan bought a pizza.

2. The listener knows that Lorcan was hoping for a tasty treat.

3. The listener knows that Lorcan was very mad after dropping the pizza.

4. The listener knows that Lorcan’s pizza dreams were abruptly felled.

5. The listener knows that the listener is supposed to guess who dropped the pizza.

Type of pizza dropped: [There is no factual basis for these inferences]

The type of pizza dropped is not explicitly stated in the riddle. However, it can be inferred from the statement “He bought a pizza, hoping for a tasty treat” that the pizza was a cheese pizza.

Lorcan’s character: [There is no factual or contextual basis for these inferences]

Lorcan is portrayed as a hungry and somewhat clumsy individual. He is also shown to be very passionate about pizza.

Gemini response-3:

[The test is treated by the chatbot as a riddle!]

Here’s a breakdown of the riddle:

Speech acts:

1. Statement: “Lorcan bought a pizza.”

2. “Who was hopping mad?”

3. Answer: “Lorcan.”

4. Statement: “What happened at the bay of pigs?”

5. Answer: “The United States tried to overthrow the Cuban government.”

6. Statement: “Who dropped the pizza?”

7. Answer: “Lorcan.”

Inferences:

1. Lorcan was very disappointed when he dropped his pizza.

2. Lorcan is not very good at handling pizza.

3. Lorcan is very hungry.

4. Lorcan is not a very good planner.

Implications:

1. Lorcan is an impulsive person. [There is no basis for this implication]

2. Lorcan is not very careful. [There is no basis for this implication]

3. Lorcan is easily frustrated. [There is no basis for this implication]

Information in common ground:

1. Lorcan bought a pizza.

2. Lorcan dropped the pizza.

3. Lorcan was mad.

4. The United States tried to overthrow the Cuban government.

Kind of pizza:

1. We are not told what kind of pizza Lorcan bought.

2. Tell me what you know about Lorcan?

3. Lorcan is a pizza-loving person who is prone to clumsiness and frustration. He is also somewhat impulsive and careless. [There is no basis for this implication]

Apx.2.3 Gemini Test 3-Evaluating a context change-1

Gemini Response:

In the context you described, the son’s response “I will, yeah” is likely an informal way of saying “Yes, I would like some ice cream after my pizza.” The phrase “I will” indicates agreement with the mother’s question, while the phrase “yeah” adds an informal touch to the response.

Here are some possible reasons why the son might have said “I will, yeah” instead of simply saying “Yes”:

1. He is trying to be polite and respectful to his mother. By using a more informal phrase, he is showing that he is not taking her question for granted.

2. He is trying to be playful and light hearted. The phrase “yeah” can have a playful tone, and it can also be used to indicate that someone is not taking something too seriously.

3. He is trying to be cool. Some teenagers use informal language to try to impress their friends or to fit in with a certain group.

Overall, the phrase “I will, yeah” is a common way for teenagers to respond to questions in a casual or informal setting. It is a way of indicating agreement while also maintaining a sense of personality and individuality.

Here is an example of how the conversation might have gone:

Mother: Would you take ice cream after your pizza?

Son: I will, yeah.

Mother: Great! I’ll order us some when we’re done eating.

Son: Awesome!

Apx.2.4 Gemini Test 4-Evaluating a context change-2

Gemini response-1:

In this context, the son’s response “I will, yeah” is a non-committal way of saying “Yes, I will tidy my bedroom, please.” The phrase “I will” indicates agreement with the mother’s request, but the phrase “yeah” is added to soften the tone of the response and to suggest that the son is not immediately going to start tidying his room.

This response is common among teenagers who are not always enthusiastic about doing chores or following their parents’ instructions. They may say “I will, yeah” in order to avoid conflict or to make their parents think they are going to do what they are asked to do, even if they have no intention of doing it right away.

Here are some possible reasons why the son might have said “I will, yeah” instead of simply saying “Yes”:

1. He doesn’t want to argue with his mother. By saying “I will, yeah,” he is essentially acknowledging her request without committing to doing it right away.

2. He is trying to delay the task. He may hope that his mother will forget about his request if he doesn’t start tidying his room immediately.

3. He is not actually going to tidy his room. He may simply be trying to appease his mother for the time being.

Ultimately, the son’s response “I will, yeah” is a way of avoiding confrontation while also giving his mother the impression that he is going to comply with her request. It is a common tactic among teenagers who are trying to assert their independence while still maintaining a good relationship with their parents.

Gemini response-2:

In the context you described, the son’s response “I will, yeah” can have two interpretations:

1. An agreement with the mother’s request: This is the more likely interpretation, as the son is explicitly saying “I will” tidy his bedroom. The phrase “yeah” adds an informal touch and can also be seen as a way of emphasizing his agreement.

2. A vague promise to tidy his bedroom at some point: This interpretation is less likely, as it suggests that the son is not fully committed to completing the task. The phrase “yeah” could be interpreted as a non-committal response or a way of avoiding the mother’s request.

To determine the son’s true intentions, it would be helpful to observe his behavior [Note the American-English spelling here in the chatbot’s response] following the exchange. If he immediately starts tidying his room, then it is likely that his response “I will, yeah” was an agreement to do so. However, if he makes no attempt to tidy his room or offers excuses for not doing so, then it is more likely that his response was a vague promise or a way of avoiding the task.

It is also important to consider the son’s overall relationship with his mother and his typical response to her requests. If he is generally respectful and cooperative, then it is more likely that his response “I will, yeah” was an honest agreement. However, if he has a history of avoiding chores or being dismissive of his mother’s requests, then it is more likely that his response was a non-committal one.

Ultimately, the meaning of the son’s response “I will, yeah” depends on the specific context and the son’s individual intentions. However, the most likely interpretation is that he is agreeing to tidy his bedroom, albeit in an informal way.

Gemini response-3:

In the context you described, the son’s response “I will, yeah” can have two interpretations:

1. An agreement with the mother’s request: This is the more likely interpretation, as the son is explicitly saying “I will” tidy his bedroom. The phrase “yeah” adds an informal touch and can also be seen as a way of emphasizing [Note the American-English spelling here in the chatbot’s response] his agreement.

2. A vague promise to tidy his bedroom at some point: This interpretation is less likely, as it suggests that the son is not fully committed to completing the task. The phrase “yeah” could be interpreted as a non-committal response or a way of avoiding the mother’s request.

To determine the son’s true intentions, it would be helpful to observe his behavior [Note the American-English spelling here in the chatbot’s response] following the exchange. If he immediately starts tidying his room, then it is likely that his response “I will, yeah” was an agreement to do so. However, if he makes no attempt to tidy his room or offers excuses for not doing so, then it is more likely that his response was a vague promise or a way of avoiding the task.

It is also important to consider the son’s overall relationship with his mother and his typical response to her requests. If he is generally respectful and cooperative, then it is more likely that his response “I will, yeah” was an honest agreement. However, if he has a history of avoiding chores or being dismissive of his mother’s requests, then it is more likely that his response was a non-committal one.

Ultimately, the meaning of the son’s response “I will, yeah” depends on the specific context and the son’s individual intentions. However, the most likely interpretation is that he is agreeing to tidy his bedroom, albeit in an informal way.

Apx.2.5 Gemini Test 5-Knowledge of speech acts and common ground

Gemini response-1:

Speech Acts in the Dialogues:

Dialogue 1 (Restaurant):

1. Mother: Question: “Would you take ice cream after your pizza?” (Directive disguised as a question)

2. Son: Answer: “I will, yeah!” (Acceptance)

Dialogue 2 (Home):

1. Mother: Question: “Will you tidy your bedroom, please?” (Directive)

2. Son: Answer: “I will, yeah!” (Ambiguous: potentially Acceptance or Non-committal response)

Inferences and Implications:

Dialogue 1:

1. Inference: The son enjoys ice cream.

2. Implication: The son’s response suggests a positive and casual relationship with his mother.

Dialogue 2:

1. Inference: The son’s room likely needs tidying.

2. Implications:

   1. Positive Interpretation: The son is likely to tidy his room (based on his response).

   2. Neutral Interpretation: The son might or might not tidy his room (due to the ambiguity of his response).

   3. Negative Interpretation: The son might be expressing resistance or sarcasm (depending on his personality and other factors).

Information in Common Ground:

1. In both dialogues, the son exists and has a mother.

2. In Dialogue 1, the son likes pizza and ice cream. (In Dialogue 2, his preferences are unknown.)

What We Know About the Son:

Limited Information: Based solely on these two dialogues, we cannot definitively determine the son’s personality or typical behavior [Note the American-English spelling here in the chatbot’s response]. He might be respectful and cooperative, or more prone to avoiding chores. His response in Dialogue 2 is ambiguous, requiring further context or observation to understand his true intentions.

Gemini response-2:

Speech Acts in the Dialogues:

Dialogue 1 (Restaurant):

• Mother: Question: “Would you take ice cream after your pizza?” (Directive – seeking agreement)

• Son: Answer: “I will, yeah!” (Assertive – expressing agreement)

Dialogue 2 (Home):

• Mother: Question: “Will you tidy your bedroom, please?” (Directive – seeking agreement and action)

• Son: Answer: “I will, yeah!” (Here, the speech act is ambiguous and depends on the son’s intention.)

Possible interpretations:

• Assertive (if genuine): Expressing agreement to tidy the room.

• Non-committal: Avoiding a direct negative answer.

• Expressive (if sarcastic): Expressing annoyance or disagreement, but indirectly.

Inferences from the Dialogues:

Dialogue 1:

• The son enjoys ice cream.

• He has a casual and informal communication style.

• He has a positive relationship with his mother.

Dialogue 2:

The son’s room needs tidying. (Inferred from the mother’s request)

Implications:

Dialogue 1:

1. The mother wants to know the son’s preference about dessert.

2. The mother is offering the son ice cream.

Dialogue 2:

1. The mother wants the son to tidy his room.

2. The son might need reminders or encouragement to complete chores. (Depending on the interpretation of his response)

Information in Common Ground:

Dialogue 1:

1. The son is having pizza.

2. The mother is offering him ice cream.

Dialogue 2:

1. The son’s room needs tidying.

2. The mother is asking him to do it.

What do we know about the Son?

Based on both dialogues:

1. He enjoys casual and informal communication.

2. His response to requests can be ambiguous (in Dialogue 2).

3. Additionally, from Dialogue 1:

4. He enjoys ice cream.

5. He has a positive relationship with his mother (based on the inferred casualness and informality).

However, it’s important to note that:

1. These are just short snippets of conversations, and drawing complete conclusions about the son’s personality or behavior [Note the American-English spelling here in the chatbot’s response] would be inaccurate.

2. More context and observation are needed to understand him better.

Gemini response-3:

Speech Acts

Example 1 (Restaurant):

1. Statement: Mother: “Would you take ice cream after your pizza?”

2. Answer (with speech act): Son: “I will, yeah!” (Acceptance/Agreement)

Example 2 (At Home):

1. Question: Mother: “Will you tidy your bedroom, please?”

2. Answer (with speech act): Son: “I will, yeah!” (Possible interpretations: Acceptance/Agreement, Non-committal response, or Sarcastic agreement)

Inferences

Example 1:

1. The son enjoys ice cream.

2. He enjoys eating ice cream after pizza.

Example 2:

1. The son’s bedroom is not currently tidy.

2. The mother wants the son to tidy his bedroom.

Implications

Example 1:

1. The son might be looking forward to the ice cream.

2. The mother and son might often have ice cream after pizza together.

Example 2:

1. The son might not always tidy his room without being asked.

2. The response might not necessarily mean the son will definitively tidy his room.

Information in Common Ground

Example 1:

1. The mother offered the son ice cream.

2. The son accepted the offer.

Example 2:

1. The mother requested that the son tidy his room.

2. The son responded to the request (However, his true intentions remain unclear).

What do we know about the son?

Limited information available: Based solely on these two dialogues, we cannot definitively understand the son’s personality or typical behavior [Note the American-English spelling here in the chatbot’s response]. We only know:

1. He seems to enjoy ice cream.

2. He responds to his mother’s requests, although how genuinely and consistently he does so remains unclear.

3. It’s crucial to remember that these examples are limited snapshots and cannot provide a complete picture of the son or his relationship with his mother.

Apx.3.1 ChatGPT Test 1-Context and reference

ChatGPT response:

Lorcan was mad after he dropped the pizza.

The Bay of Pigs was a failed invasion of Cuba by CIA-backed Cuban exiles in 1961.

Lorcan dropped the pizza.

Apx.3.2 ChatGPT Test 2-Knowledge of speech acts, inferences and implications

ChatGPT response:

The speech acts involved in this conversation are statements, questions, and requests for information. One can infer from this that a pizza was dropped and that someone named Lorcan is being discussed. The implication is that there was likely some sort of accident involving the dropped pizza. The common ground now includes the knowledge that a pizza was dropped and that someone named Lorcan is involved in some way.

As for Lorcan, without further context, it is not possible to provide specific information about him.

Apx.3.3 ChatGPT Test 3-Evaluating a context change-1

ChatGPT response:

In this context, “I will, yeah” means that the son will indeed have ice cream after his pizza. He is affirming his agreement to his mother’s suggestion.

Apx.3.4 ChatGPT Test 4-Evaluating a context change-2

ChatGPT response:

In this context, “I will, yeah” is a casual and somewhat enthusiastic way of acknowledging the mother’s request and indicating that the son is willing to tidy his bedroom. The use of “yeah” at the end adds a slightly informal and nonchalant tone to the response. It suggests that the son is agreeing to tidy his room, albeit in a laid-back manner.

Apx.3.5 ChatGPT Test 5-Knowledge of speech acts and common ground

ChatGPT response:

Let’s break down the two previous examples of dialogue:

1. **Dialogue 1: Lorcan and the Pizza**

Speech Acts:

1. Statement of Fact: “Lorcan bought a pizza.”

2. Statement of Fact: “He dropped the pizza and was hopping mad after this.”

   1. Evaluative Statement: The phrase “hopping mad” conveys Lorcan’s emotional state.

   2. Inference and Implications:

   3. It can be inferred that Lorcan bought the pizza and then dropped it, resulting in his anger.

   4. The implication is that Lorcan’s emotional reaction was triggered by dropping the pizza.

Common Ground:

1. The shared understanding includes the events that Lorcan bought a pizza, dropped it, and became angry.

2. **Dialogue 2: Mother and Son about Tidying Bedroom**

Speech Acts:

1. Request: “Will you tidy your bedroom, please?”

2. Agreement: “I will, yeah.”

Inference and Implications:

1. The son’s response implies his agreement to tidy his bedroom.

2. It suggests his willingness to comply with his mother’s request.

Common Ground:

1. The shared understanding involves the son’s agreement to tidy his bedroom as requested by his mother.

Regarding what we know about the son:

1. From the second dialogue, we can infer that the son is responsive to his mother’s requests and appears willing to comply with them.

2. The son’s response indicates a level of cooperation and understanding of household responsibilities.

3. However, beyond his willingness to comply with his mother’s request to tidy his bedroom, specific details about the son’s personality, preferences, or other characteristics are not provided in the dialogue.