Date & time: March 24, 15:30-17:00

Location: Utrecht University, Janskerkhof 13, Room 0.06

Sergey Avrutin

UiL-OTS, Utrecht University

The syntax-discourse interface and representation of anaphoric dependencies

Abstract

I will present a model of the syntax-discourse interface that is based on the different representations of functional and lexical elements in discourse.  Specifically, in the model I develop, functional categories such as D introduce a discourse place holder (‘a file card frame’) and lexical categories such as N introduce the referential substance (‘a file card heading’).  Anaphoric elements of three types are analyzed: SE elements (‘zich’), SELF elements (‘zichzelf’) and pronouns. The main idea is that the differences in morphology and feature specification of these elements result in their different discourse representations.  Their interpretation depends on the relationship between discourse entities (file cards) which are constrained by a set of rules/principles that I discuss.  A substantial part of the theory of anaphora, therefore, appears to be explainable at a beyond-narrow-syntax level.

The Discourse op Dinsdag discussion group is intended for researchers working on discourse from a language use perspective, and offers a platform to discuss their work (in progress). For more information check our website http://www.let.uu.nl/vici.

Meetings are planned 4-weekly on Tuesdays 15:30-17:00, in Utrecht. If you wish to participate, please let us know. If you’re interested in presenting your research, we invite you to come forward by sending an email to r.vanveen@uu.nl.