Context-dependent interpretation

Definition

Context-dependent interpretation refers to how the meaning of an expression can change based on the context in which it is used. This includes factors like the surrounding text, speaker intentions, and the listener's background knowledge. Understanding this concept is essential for analyzing how language functions in discourse and how meaning is constructed within discourse representation structures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Context-dependent interpretation plays a crucial role in determining how referential expressions are understood in discourse.
2. In DRT, the context is modeled through discourse representation structures, which capture the relationship between different entities and events mentioned in the discourse.
3. The interpretation of pronouns often relies heavily on context, as their referents can change depending on who is speaking and what has previously been said.
4. Context provides necessary information that shapes meaning, including knowledge about the world and social norms that affect communication.
5. Failures in context-dependent interpretation can lead to misunderstandings or ambiguity, highlighting the importance of clear contextual cues in effective communication.

Review Questions

• How does context-dependent interpretation influence the understanding of referential expressions in discourse?
  • Context-dependent interpretation significantly influences how referential expressions are understood because their meaning often hinges on the specific context in which they appear. For example, a pronoun like 'he' may refer to different individuals depending on prior mentions and the speaker's intention. In Discourse Representation Theory, this concept is modeled by representing entities and their relationships within discourse representation structures, which helps clarify how meanings shift based on context.
• Discuss the role of discourse representation structures in facilitating context-dependent interpretation within DRT.
  • Discourse representation structures play a critical role in facilitating context-dependent interpretation by providing a framework to represent the entities and events introduced during discourse. These structures capture how meanings evolve as new information is added or existing information is modified. By organizing the relationships between various elements of discourse, DRT allows for a clearer understanding of how context shapes the interpretation of language and ensures coherence throughout communication.
• Evaluate the implications of context-dependent interpretation on effective communication and potential misunderstandings.
  • Context-dependent interpretation has significant implications for effective communication as it determines how meanings are conveyed and understood between speakers and listeners. When contextual cues are clear, messages are typically understood as intended. However, ambiguity or lack of clarity can lead to misunderstandings, especially if listeners interpret messages without sufficient context. This highlights the necessity for communicators to provide adequate background information and use appropriate referential expressions to ensure their intended meanings are accurately conveyed.

Related terms

Discourse Representation Theory (DRT): A theoretical framework that models how meanings are constructed in discourse, focusing on how sentences and their contexts interact to create meaning over time.

Referential Expression: A linguistic expression that refers to something specific in the context, such as a noun phrase that identifies a particular entity or event.

Presupposition: An assumption or background belief that must be accepted for a statement to make sense, often influenced by the context in which the statement is made.