Processing Narrative Coherence: Towards a top-down model of discourse.

Open Access Series in Informatics (OASICS) 32:61-75 (2013)
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Abstract

Models of discourse and narration elaborated within the classical compositional framework have been characterized as bottom-up models, according to which discourse analysis proceeds incrementally, from phrase and sentence local meaning to discourse global meaning. In this paper we will argue against these models. Assuming as a case study the issue of discourse coherence, we suggest that the assessment of coherence is a top-down process, in which the construction of a situational interpretation at the global meaning level guides local meaning analysis. In support of our hypothesis, we explore the role of executive functions (brain functions involved in planning and organization of goal-oriented behaviors) in coherence’s establishment, discussing the results of several studies on narrative abilities of patients with brain injuries. We suggest that, compared to other models of discourse processing focused on comprehension, our model is a viable candidate for an integrated account of discourse comprehension and production.

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Author Profiles

Ines Adornetti
Università degli Studi Roma Tre
Francesco Ferretti
Università degli Studi Roma Tre
Erica Cosentino
Ruhr-Universität Bochum

References found in this work

Relevance theory.Deirdre Wilson & Dan Sperber - 2002 - In Deirdre Wilson & Dan Sperber (eds.), Relevance theory. Wiley-Blackwell. pp. 607-632.
Inference during reading.Gail McKoon & Roger Ratcliff - 1992 - Psychological Review 99 (3):440-466.

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