Interpretation and understanding

Summary: Our species has been hunting for meaning ever since we departed from our cousins in the evolutionary tree. We developed sophisticated forms of communication. Yet, as much as they can convey meaning and foster understanding, they can also hide meaning and prevent comprehension. Indeed, we can never be sure that a "yes" conveys assent or that a smile reveals pleasure. In order to ascertain what communicative behavior "means", we have to go through an elaborate cognitive process of interpretation. This book deals with how we achieve the daily miracle of understanding each other. Based on the autho.

Record details

ISBN: 1588114147 (US : alk. paper)
ISBN: 9027226040 (Eur. : alk. paper)
ISBN: 1588114147 (US : alk. paper)
ISBN: 9781588114143 (US : alk. paper)
ISBN: 9027226040 (Eur. : alk. paper)
ISBN: 9789027226044 (Eur. : alk. paper)
ISBN: 9027295891 (electronic bk.)
ISBN: 9789027295897 (electronic bk.)
Physical Description: 1 online resource (xxii, 714 p.) : ill.
remote
electronic resource
Publisher: Amsterdam ; Philadelphia : John Benjamins Pub., c2003.

Content descriptions

General Note:	Multi-User.
Bibliography, etc. Note:	Includes bibliographical references (p. [666]-693) and indexes.
Formatted Contents Note:	Interpretation and Understanding; Title page; LCC page; Contents; Foreword; Part I: Theorizing; Chapter 1 Pragmatics and communicative intentions; Chapter 2 Conversational relevance; Chapter 3 Strategies of understanding; Chapter 4 Two modes of understanding; Chapter 5 Individual and collective intentions; Chapter 6 How does a connective work? Between semantics and pragmatics: The two types of 'but' -- 'aval' and 'ela'; Chapter 7 Commitment and involvement; Chapter 8 Cues, clues, and context; Chapter 9 Models of interpretation; Part II: Applying.
Terms Governing Use and Reproduction Note:	Access restricted by subscription. Access requires VIU IP addresses and is restricted to VIU students, faculty and staff.
Source of Description Note:	Description based on print version record.