Connectives and Discourse Relations

Provides a cutting-edge yet accessible introduction to connectives and discourse relations, with examples from a range of languages.

Sandrine Zufferey (Author), Liesbeth Degand (Author)

9781108832991, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 29 February 2024

268 pages
22.2 x 14.6 x 2 cm, 0.47 kg

‘This volume fills a gap by giving a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art with respect to discourse connectives. The text is well structured and authoritative, and the main points of the individual chapters are clearly signposted. The clarity of the exposition makes this book an ideal choice for postgraduate-taught and advanced-level undergraduate students, its usefulness as a teaching resource being further enhanced by the ‘Discussion Points’ and suggestions for ‘Further Reading’ at the end of each chapter.’ Maj-Britt Mosegaard Hansen, Professor of Linguistics and Pragmatics, The University of Manchester

Illustrated with examples from a rich range of languages and genres, this book provides a state-of-the-art introduction to the meanings and functions of connectives, and the discourse relations they communicate. It begins with theoretical chapters that illustrate the many interfaces present in the study of connectives and discourse relations, using diachronic data to illustrate how connectives incorporate such a wide range of functions in synchronic language use. The second half of the book presents the rapidly growing body of studies that have used empirical data to assess theories of connectives and discourse relations, spanning fields as diverse as discourse processing, first and second language acquisition, and cross-linguistic studies. End-of-chapter discussion questions and lists of further readings are included, along with a comprehensive glossary of key terms. This title is part of the Flip it Open Programme and may also be available open access. Check our website Cambridge Core for details.

1. Defining connectives and discourse relations
2. Theoretical models of discourse relations
3. Connectives: meanings and functions
4. Connectives between syntax and discourse
5. The evolution of connectives' meanings
6. Processing and understanding discourse relations and connectives
7. Discourse relations and connectives across languages and genres
8. Acquiring connectives in a first language
9. Mastering connectives in a second language
Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Semantics, discourse analysis, etc [CFG]