Discourse Representation Theory

Definition

Discourse Representation Theory (DRT) is a framework used to represent the meaning of sentences in context, particularly focusing on how discourse elements are structured and how references are resolved. It connects various aspects of language, including types of anaphora, dynamic semantics, and the representation of temporal information, which helps us understand how meaning is constructed during communication.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. DRT introduces Discourse Representation Structures (DRSs), which capture the relationships between various discourse elements and their contexts.
2. In DRT, anaphora resolution is achieved by linking pronouns and other referring expressions to their antecedents within DRSs.
3. The theory accommodates dynamic semantics by representing how the meanings of sentences can change based on prior discourse context.
4. Temporal reference in DRT is managed through specific operators within DRSs, which help clarify when events occur relative to one another.
5. DRT provides a formal mechanism for representing and interpreting complex sentences that involve embedded clauses and multiple levels of reference.

Review Questions

• How does Discourse Representation Theory handle different types of anaphora?
  • Discourse Representation Theory manages various types of anaphora, such as pronominal and discourse anaphora, by utilizing Discourse Representation Structures (DRSs). In DRT, each DRS acts as a mini-world that stores entities and relationships introduced in the discourse. When a pronoun or anaphoric expression appears, DRT resolves its reference by linking it back to the appropriate antecedent in the structure, allowing for a coherent understanding of the discourse.
• In what ways does Discourse Representation Theory relate to dynamic semantics and context change potentials?
  • Discourse Representation Theory is closely linked to dynamic semantics as it emphasizes how meaning evolves in conversation based on previous context. Each utterance alters the existing context through context change potentials, which DRT formalizes through updates to DRSs. This process allows for an understanding of how new information integrates with prior knowledge, ensuring that communication remains fluid and meaningful as speakers interact.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of Discourse Representation Theory in representing temporal reference and aspect within discourse.
  • Discourse Representation Theory effectively represents temporal reference and aspect by incorporating temporal operators into DRSs. This allows for nuanced expressions of when events happen relative to each other and helps clarify the duration and timing of actions described in discourse. By modeling temporal relationships directly within the structure of DRSs, DRT facilitates a richer understanding of narrative flow and event sequencing, demonstrating its utility in capturing complex temporal dynamics in language.

Related terms

Anaphora: Anaphora is the use of expressions that depend on another expression for their interpretation, typically involving pronouns or other referring expressions that relate back to previously mentioned entities.

Context Change Potential: Context Change Potential refers to the way in which utterances alter or update the existing context during communication, influencing how subsequent information is understood and interpreted.

Temporal Reference: Temporal Reference involves how language conveys time-related information, allowing speakers to locate events in time and express relations between different temporal entities.