Context change potential

Definition

Context change potential refers to the capacity of an utterance or expression to alter the state of the conversational context, affecting how meanings are interpreted based on previous interactions. This concept is key in understanding how information is updated in dynamic semantics, where the meaning of a statement is not fixed but evolves as new context is introduced.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Context change potential emphasizes that understanding meaning requires not just the words used, but also the context in which they are said.
2. In dynamic semantics, an utterance's meaning is influenced by prior context and affects subsequent interpretations in conversations.
3. Different types of expressions have varying context change potentials; for example, questions typically invite further elaboration, while assertions may settle information.
4. Context change potential is crucial for modeling how conversational implicatures arise and how speakers navigate ambiguity in communication.
5. The study of context change potential helps illuminate how listeners update their mental representations of discourse based on new information provided by speakers.

Review Questions

• How does context change potential illustrate the differences between static and dynamic approaches to semantics?
  • Context change potential showcases that in dynamic semantics, meanings are not fixed but rather fluid and reliant on ongoing interactions. Unlike static approaches, which see meaning as stable regardless of context, dynamic semantics allows for meaning to evolve as speakers add new information to the conversation. This ability to update interpretations in real time reflects the interactive nature of communication.
• Discuss how context change potential contributes to our understanding of presuppositions in communication.
  • Context change potential is essential for grasping presuppositions because it highlights how certain background assumptions are necessary for utterances to make sense. When speakers convey information, they often rely on shared knowledge or beliefs that must be acknowledged for effective communication. This interaction shows how presuppositions can either be reinforced or challenged depending on the context provided by previous statements.
• Evaluate the implications of context change potential for analyzing discourse coherence in conversations.
  • The implications of context change potential for discourse coherence are significant, as it affects how listeners track meaning across interactions. By recognizing that each utterance has the power to alter the conversational landscape, we can better analyze how speakers manage coherence through topic shifts, referential continuity, and resolving ambiguities. This understanding helps clarify why certain conversational strategies are employed to maintain flow and ensure that participants remain aligned in their interpretations.

Related terms

Dynamic Semantics: A branch of semantics that focuses on how the meaning of sentences changes with context and how information is incrementally added to the discourse.

Discourse Representation Theory:

A theory that models how the meanings of sentences are represented in discourse, emphasizing the role of context and presuppositions.

Presupposition:

An implicit assumption about the world or background belief relating to an utterance that must be accepted for the utterance to make sense.