Discourse

Catalog description

Advanced research methods for analyzing discourse in light of grammar, and grammar in light of discourse. Hands-on analysis of naturally occurring language use, especially conversational interaction. Topics include referent tracking, topicality, information structure, accessibility, constructions as functional units, functional niches, preferred argument structure, dialogic syntax, resonance, narrative structure. Theories of functional explanation for grammar; cognitive and interactional functions, competing motivations, grammaticization, emergence of linguistic structure.