The profound use of the computer in discourse analysis must employ a theory of discourse comprehension and production with which to conduct the analysis. Models currently employed in computational linguistics have a semantic basis and are goal-directed. The basic model is an associative cognitive network. The basic inventory of concepts of the…

Five types of Verb Phrase (VP) anaphors which appear to exist in free variation actually have specific grammatical, semantic, and rhetorical functions which account for the existence of some to the exclusion of others in certain syntactic environments. The five anaphors are: "do so,""do it," Verb Phrase Deletion (VPD), VPD with…

The thesis of the present dissertation is that the Fulani reference system cannot be explained by grammatical rules alone, or by studying isolated sentences, but that one must examine the entire structure of language in context, and that given the semantic inventory plus the semotactics and the grammatical inventory plus the grammar one can not…

Discusses an investigation designed to determine the dramatic features used by professional sportscasters to add excitement to and enliven weekly sports viewing. (MH)

Presents different types and degrees of modalizations which are necessary for the construction of a discourse grammar. (Text is in French.) (CDSH/AM)

Studies an extension of the modality system currently in use in narrative semiotics in order to determine the status of prophecy in narrative syntax. (Text is in French.) (CDSH/AM)

Cites evidence of Gothic strains in eighteenth-century rhetorical practice. Uses a narrative account by Edmund Burke to illustrate representative Gothic themes, images, and strategies. Judges the Gothic voice to be significant as an instance of the ways in which general aesthetic sensibilities are deployed for rhetorical ends. (MS)

Examines the guideline that tells writers not to use existential, or "empty," there. Finds that expert writers use "there" for important linguistic and rhetorical purposes. Claims there is little justification for a prescriptive rule against such practice, and that all handbook rules should be subjected to quantitative and…

Examines recent attempts by a number of theorists to develop a "rhetoric of the human sciences." Argues that contemporary tendencies to elevate rhetoric at the expense of such traditional notions as scientific objectivity, ontology, and epistemological foundationalism are mistaken. (JK)

Replies to Martin Allor's article, "Relocating the Site of the Audience" (same issue). Discerns in it a struggle between textualism and realism. (MS)

Reflects on the work of Jurgen Habermas to help develop an objective and subjective rhetoric that are not in isolation from each other. Finds communicative competence a challenging conception of rhetoric's humane purpose: namely, the formation of autonomous and responsible speakers, capable of participating fully in the discourse of a speech…

Claims that the rhetoric of Quebec sovereignty is based on an appeal to a particular motivated subject, the "Quebecois." Discusses certain consequences for the theory and practice of rhetoric that are suggested by Kenneth Burke's treatment of the term "identification" and an understanding of rhetoric's constitutive and…

Describes international amateur radio talk (IART) as a clear case of the significance of the channel or medium as a restrictive factor in discourse and analyzes sample texts of IART. (HTH)

Discusses the limits of Harris' and Chomsky's models for discourse analysis and questions their epistemological basis. Also discusses the "French school of discourse analysis." (Text is in French.) (AM)