Book contents
- Connectives and Discourse Relations
- Key Topics in Semantics and Pragmatics
- Connectives and Discourse Relations
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Figures
- Tables
- 1 Defining Connectives and Discourse Relations
- 2 Theoretical Models of Discourse Relations
- 3 Connectives: Meanings and Functions
- 4 Connectives between Syntax and Discourse
- 5 The Evolution of Connectives’ Meanings
- 6 Processing and Understanding Discourse Relations and Connectives
- 7 Discourse Relations and Connectives across Languages and Genres
- 8 Acquiring Connectives in a First Language
- 9 Mastering Connectives in a Second Language
- Conclusion
- Glossary
- References
- Index
- References
6 - Processing and Understanding Discourse Relations and Connectives
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 22 February 2024
- Connectives and Discourse Relations
- Key Topics in Semantics and Pragmatics
- Connectives and Discourse Relations
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Figures
- Tables
- 1 Defining Connectives and Discourse Relations
- 2 Theoretical Models of Discourse Relations
- 3 Connectives: Meanings and Functions
- 4 Connectives between Syntax and Discourse
- 5 The Evolution of Connectives’ Meanings
- 6 Processing and Understanding Discourse Relations and Connectives
- 7 Discourse Relations and Connectives across Languages and Genres
- 8 Acquiring Connectives in a First Language
- 9 Mastering Connectives in a Second Language
- Conclusion
- Glossary
- References
- Index
- References
Summary
In this chapter, we discuss the way people read, remember and understand discourse, depending on the type of relations that link discourse segments together. We also illustrate the role of connectives and other discourse signals as elements guiding readers’ interpretation. Throughout the chapter, we review empirical evidence from experiments that involve various methodologies such as offline comprehension tasks, self-paced reading, eye-tracking and event related potentials. One of the major findings is that not all relations are processed and remembered in the same way. It seems that causal relations play a special role for creating coherence in discourse, as they are processed more quickly and remembered better. Conversely, because they are highly expected, causal relations benefit less from the presence of connectives compared to discontinuous relations like concession and confirmation. Finally, research shows that in their native language, speakers are able to take advantage of all sorts of connectives for discourse processing, even those restricted to the written mode, and those that are ambiguous.
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- Information
- Connectives and Discourse Relations , pp. 116 - 141Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2024