Meaning construction in interactive academic talk

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (2-3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Unknown / not yet matched
Keyword(s):  
Conversation Analysis ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
Meaning Construction ◽  
Space Theory ◽  
Construction Process ◽  
Conceptual Structures ◽  
Mental Operations ◽  
Mental Space ◽  
Meaning Representation ◽  
Cognitive Dimensions

Abstract Mental spaces are conceptual structures for meaning representation and interpretation in discourse. They are pervasive in everyday language as an important aspect of ongoing language processing and meaning construction (Hamawand 2016). The application of Mental Space Theory (MST) to the analysis of real, attested examples of discourse (e.g. Conversation Analysis) has been undertaken through productive exchanges (see Hougaard 2004, 2005, Oakley & Hougaard 2008, Oakley 2009). The integration links external, observable language behaviors to internal, conceptual mental operations (Williams 2008), revealing that the cognitive dimensions of discursive approaches are essential to the analysis of talk-in-interaction. This study focuses on the technical aspects of Conversation Analysis in interactive academic talk and shows how MST can provide a subsequent framework for making plausible accounts of the meaning construction process underlying typical conversational moves in this unique talk setting. The data analyses show that the accessibility and selectivity of cognitive mappings contribute to shaping the structurality of meaning representation, transmission, and interpretation. The findings have implications for understanding and characterizing how co-constructed meaning enters into individual and collective conceptualization in higher education communication.

Constructional meaning representation within a knowledge engineering framework

2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Ricardo Mairal-Usón
Keyword(s):  
Natural Language ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
Conceptual Knowledge ◽  
Knowledge Engineering ◽  
Meaning Construction ◽  
Engineering Project ◽  
Language Understanding ◽  
Role And Reference Grammar ◽  
Reference Grammar ◽  
Meaning Representation

FunGramKB is a multipurpose lexico-conceptual knowledge base for natural language processing systems, and more particularly, for natural language understanding. The linguistic layer of this knowledge-engineering project is grounded in compatible aspects of two linguistic accounts, namely, Role and Reference Grammar (RRG) and the Lexical Constructional Model (LCM). RRG, although originally a lexicalist approach, has recently incorporated constructional configurations into its descriptive and explanatory apparatus. The LCM has sought to understand from its inception the factors that constrain lexical-constructional integration. Within this theoretical context, this paper discusses the format of lexical entries, highly inspired in RRG proposals, and of constructional schemata, which are organized according to the descriptive levels supplied by the LCM. Both lexical and constructional structure is represented by means of Attribute Value Matrices (AVMs). Thus, the lexical and grammatical levels of FunGramKB are the focus of our attention here. Additionally, the need for a conceptualist approach to meaning construction is highlighted throughout our discussion.

More on Brain and Semiosis: Can We Find a Point in Neuronets?

2021 ◽  
pp. 5-13
Author(s):  
Tatiana V. Chernigovskaya ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Language Processing ◽  
Intelligent Systems ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Similar Data ◽  
Direct Testing ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Neurophysiological Basis ◽  
Person Experience ◽  
Cognitive Dimensions ◽  
Human Specific

The paper discusses semiotic aspects of higher human functions and a possibility and relevance of traditional search for their neurophysiological basis. The state of the art on the subject is reviewed and the lack of data on anthropological specificity for reasoning, thinking, language and its AI modeling is highlighted. Experimental neuroscience presumes that if we know the characteristics of neu­rons and their connections, we automatically understand what mind and con­sciousness are. However, it is evident that such a paradigm does not allow us to get relevant answers to the main questions. I argue that the problem should be dealt with not only within the field of neurophysiology proper. Rather, such re­search should involve exploring the 'archeology' of mental processes as they are revealed in arts as well as in other symbolic spaces. The paper discusses the ade­quacy of physiological methodology when it is employed to demonstrate brain mechanisms of higher functions. Besides, I explore the relevance of juxta­posing similar data from other biological and artificial intelligent systems. I view language processing, mind and reasoning and 1st person experience (qualia) as human specific features, and questions the possibility of direct testing these phenomena. The paper links genetic, anthropological and neurophysio­logical data to semiotic activity and semiosphere formation as the basis for com­munication. The paper discusses the place of humans in the changing world in the context of new cognitive dimensions.

scholarly journals Conceptual integration theory and British humour: an analysis of the sitcom Miranda

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna Jabłońska-Hood
Keyword(s):  
Language Use ◽  
Meaning Construction ◽  
Integration Theory ◽  
Conceptual Blending ◽  
Conceptual Integration ◽  
Mental Space ◽  
Mental Spaces ◽  
Emergent Structure ◽  
Conceptual Integration Theory ◽  
Different Levels

Conceptual integration theory (henceforth CIT), aka conceptual blending, was devised by Fauconnier and Turner (2002) as a model for meaning construction and interpretation. It is based on the notion of a mental space, which originated in Fauconnier's early research (1998). Mental spaces are structures that constitute information pertaining to a particular concept (Fauconnier and Turner 2002: 40). Interestingly, mental spaces can be linked together and blended so as to produce a novel quality not previously present. In this manner, conceptual integration serves the purpose of a theoretical model which throws light on creativity in language use. In my paper, I will apply CIT to British humour in order to use its multiway blending together with its dynamic, online running of the blended contents for the purpose of comedy elucidation. It is crucial to observe that British humour is a complex phenomenon which pertains to many different levels of interpretation, i.e. a linguistic, cultural or a discourse one. CIT possesses a well suited cognitive apparatus which can encompass the complexity of British humour with all its layers. The primary goal of the article is to analyse a selected scene from a sitcom entitled Miranda in order to show the validity of the theory in respect of humour studies. In particular, I will undertake to demonstrate that CIT, with a special emphasis on its principles such as compression and the emergent structure of the blend can deal with many processes that accumulate within British humour and result in laughter. Simultaneously, I will try to demonstrate that frame-shifting, as proposed by Coulson (2015: pp. 167-190), can be of help to CIT in humour explanation.

scholarly journals Vorbereitende Bedingungen von Sprechakten und mentale Räume

2004 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrique Huelva Unternbäumen
Keyword(s):  
Speech Act ◽  
Continuous Process ◽  
Space Theory ◽  
Mental Space ◽  
Mental Spaces

In this paper I shall analyze interaction sequences in which the interactants explicitly thematize and problematize whether the preparatory conditions of a speech act in a specific enunciation situation can be considered as satisfied or not. In these sequences the interaction develops an open, and consequently, observable contextualization process. In order to describe the dynamics of this process, central concepts and methods of Mental Space Theory will be applied. Contextualization will be characterized as a continuous process of construction, connection and modification of mental spaces.

scholarly journals NATURAL LANGUAGE PROCESSING AND BIM IN AECO SECTOR: A STATE OF THE ART

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Martino Di Giuda ◽  
Mirko Locatelli ◽  
Elena Seghezzi
Keyword(s):  
Natural Language Processing ◽  
Natural Language ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Structured Data ◽  
Information Modeling ◽  
Construction Process ◽  
Management Techniques ◽  
Design Requirements ◽  
Further Development

The research provides state-of-the-art theories, methods, and applications of Natural Language Processing in a BIM approach to define advantages, weaknesses, and potential developments. Traditionally, the design and construction process requirements are expressed through verbal qualitative evaluations instead of using numerical and structured data. Information modeling and management methods can hardly manage requirements expressed by means of qualitative and unstructured expressions. This paper aims to define the state of the art on Natural Language Processing applications for the numerical translation of basic design requirements in the AECO sector. The major advantages of this research would be the optimization and automation of numerical definition and validation of requirements in a structured data form. Structured data can, in fact, be easily managed in a BIM approach. NLP supporting information modeling methods allows the application of requirements engineering and management techniques to handle construction processes from a data-driven perspective. An investigation of the setting of a decision support system, based on NLP, for the definition and validation of requirements in the early stages of the construction process, is also provided as a potential further development.

scholarly journals COGNITIVE MODEL OF NONCE-WORDS FORMATION IN INTERNET DISCOURSE (ENGLISH POLITICAL FORUMS)

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (24) ◽  
pp. 5-9
Author(s):  
M.M. Chetina ◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Model ◽  
Meaning Construction ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Construction Process ◽  
Conceptual Integration ◽  
Cognitive Mechanism ◽  
Pragmatic Factor

The aim of the research is to analyze the cognitive mechanism of noncewords formation in the Internet discourse. The material of the studies is English political forums. The methodology of the research is the theory of conceptual integration of G. Fauconnier and M. Turner which makes it possible to study the cognitive mechanism of nonceword meaning generation and describe the properties and structure of its concept. The specific traits of the cognitivesemantic nonceword meaning construction process are: occasionality, occasional recatecorization of the concept, sensegeneration operators, pragmatic factor.

scholarly journals Are You Flirting, Objectifying or What? a Conversation Analysis of “you’re very sexy” Conversational Turn

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 294-308
Author(s):  
Kadek Ratih Dwi Oktarini ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Conversation Analysis ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
Fundamental Question ◽  
Human Interaction ◽  
Conversational Agent ◽  
Dialogue System ◽  
Agent Design ◽  
Basic Concepts ◽  
Mature Field ◽  
Critical Components

Intent identification is one of the most critical components in conversational agent design. Conversational agent “is any dialogue system that not only conducts natural language processing but also responds automatically using human language.” (Conversational Agent, 2019). The crux of designing human-like conversational agent is to mimic how human understands another human and then responds “naturally”. The current study attempts to answer the fundamental question: how to model human processes of understanding another human? In order to answer that question, it starts from exploring some basic concepts relevant to intent identification from Conversation Analysis (CA). CA is a mature field that studies authentic human interaction. The basic concepts from CA are then synthesised into a model that potentially fit to existing framework and paradigm in conversational agent design, i.e. Natural Conversation Framework (NCF) and Intent-Entity-Context-Response (IECR) paradigm. Instead of using a made-up sentence, the model is then tested to an authentic conversational turn seksi sekali dirimu ‘you’re very sexy’. The test shows that the model is able to detect several possible intents contain in this authentic conversational turn. The model is also able to handle Conversational Indonesian and multi-modality. Considering the versatility of Conversation Analysis, in all likelihood the model will be able to handle any language and all kinds of modalities. Future study can be done to analyse more Conversational Indonesian data (to develop library of intent for Conversational Indonesian Language), as well as conversational data from different languages and conversational data containing diverse modalities.

Non-canonical passives in Chinese

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-106
Author(s):  
Yi Zhang
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Base Space ◽  
Space Theory ◽  
High Speed Train ◽  
Space Operations ◽  
Passive Construction ◽  
Cognitive Operations ◽  
Mental Space ◽  
Intransitive Verbs ◽  
Commit Suicide

Abstract This paper examines a non-canonical passive construction in Chinese. In this construction, the passive marker bei can proceed a constituent including intransitive verbs, adjectives and nouns, in such expressions as bei zisha/‘commit suicide,’ bei xingfu/‘happy’ or bei gaotie/‘high speed train.’ Following Mental Space Theory (Fauconnier 1994, 1997), this paper argues that the construction serves as a space builder, which prompts conceptualizers to build a counterfactual space to hold the event conveyed by the constituent but deny the event or its associated assumption in the base space. The Mental Space operations produce the interpretations of the construction featured by ambiguity and irony. This study demonstrates the existence of dedicated counterfactual constructions in Chinese. It showcases an attempt to posit cognitive operations as the constructional function and outlines a cognitively plausible procedure to derive specific interpretations of the construction in the context.

Augmenting Conversational Environment

2012 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 103-124
Author(s):  
Toyoaki Nishida
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Image Processing ◽  
Natural Language Processing ◽  
Natural Language ◽  
Cognitive Science ◽  
Conversation Analysis ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
Collective Intelligence ◽  
Conversational Interactions ◽  
Constructive Engagement

People are proficient in collaboratively forming and maintaining gatherings thereby shaping and cultivating collective thoughts through fluent conversational interactions. A big challenge is to develop a technology for augmenting the conversational environment so that people can conduct even better conversational interactions for collective intelligence and creation. Conversational informatics is a field of research that focuses on investigating conversational interactions and designing intelligent artifacts that can augment conversational interactions. The field draws on a foundation provided by artificial intelligence, natural language processing, speech and image processing, cognitive science, and conversation analysis. In this article, the author overviews a methodology for developing augmented conversational environment and major achievements. The author also discusses issues for making agents empathic so that they can induce sustained and constructive engagement with people.

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