The Syntax and Semantics of Discourse Markers

✍ Scribed by Miriam Urgelles-Coll

• Publisher: Continuum International Publishing Group
• Year: 2010
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 179
• Series: Continuum Studies in Theoretical Linguistics
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

Examining the syntax and semantics of discourse markers, this book employs a syntactic approach to describe discourse markers in Head-Driven Phrase Structure Grammar (HPSG), relevant in a theory of discourse because it provides a framework in which all levels of grammar can be integrated. Since discourse markers operate at discourse level, a well developed discourse theory is required - in this case, Segmented Discourse Representation Theory (SDRT) is adopted. During the course of the book, Minimal Recourse Semantics is explained as it provides an integration of HPSG and SDRT.The approach described is exemplified with an analysis of 'anyway'. This book provides a detailed overview of research on discourse markers covering different areas of linguistics: from a discourse analysis point of view, to a Relevance Theory perspective going through a computational linguistics approach. Containing a precise summary of HPSG and the recently developed SDRT, it will be of great interest to researchers in semantics, pragmatics, grammar and discourse analysis.

✦ Table of Contents

Contents......Page 6
1 Introduction......Page 8
2.1 Adverbs......Page 14
2.2 Discourse Markers......Page 30
2.3 Anyway......Page 48
2.4 Discussion......Page 70
3.1 HPSG: A System of Signs......Page 71
3.2 Minimal Recursion Semantics......Page 78
3.3 Discourse Representation Theory......Page 82
3.4 Segmented Discourse Representation Theory......Page 85
3.5 Alternative Formal Discourse Models......Page 99
3.6 Conclusion......Page 109
4.1 Introduction......Page 110
4.2 Discourse Continuity vs. Discourse Discontinuity......Page 112
4.3 Ambiguity vs. Vagueness......Page 116
4.4 The Syntax of Anyway......Page 117
4.5 The Semantics of Anyway......Page 124
4.6 Co-occurrence with Other Adverbs......Page 128
4.7 The Meaning of Any and Way......Page 132
4.8 Synonyms......Page 138
4.9 Conclusion......Page 149
5.1 Anyway: Formal Lexical Entry......Page 150
5.2 Adverbial Examples......Page 154
5.3 Discourse Marker Examples......Page 161
5.4 Conclusion......Page 165
Notes......Page 168
Bibliography......Page 171
A......Page 176
F......Page 177
O......Page 178
X......Page 179

✦ Subjects

Языки и языкознание;Лингвистика;Дискурс и дискурс-анализ;