Routledge Dictionary of Language and Linguistics.pdf

A-Z 563inference1 Cognitive process in text processing that involves filling in or expanding the semanticrepresentation of a text ( text basis) by using its implications and presuppositions,i.e. by using content which, though unspoken, is necessary for comprehension (intendedinference), and by using one’s own speaker/hearer knowledge (which is stored in aschema) about the content of the text (elaborative inference). Textual content andknowledge about the text added inferentially coalesce in the memory and cannot beclearly distinguished when the text is reconstructed.ReferencesBalota, D.A. et al. (eds) 1990. Comprehension processes in reading. Hillsdale, NJ.Garrod, S. et al. 1988. Thematic subjecthood and cognitive constraints on discourse structure.JPrag 12. 519–34.Nicholas, D.W. et al. 1981. Towards a taxonomy of inferences. In F.Wilkening et al. (eds)Information integration by children. Hillsdale, NJ.Rickheit, G. and H.Kock. 1983. Inference processes in text comprehension. In G.Rickheit and M.Bock (eds), Psycholinguistic studies in language processing. Berlin. 182–206.Sperber, S. and D.Wilson. 1986. Relevance: communication and cognition. Cambridge, MA.Van de Velde, R.G. 1988. Inference as (de)compositional principles. In J.S.Petöfi (ed.), Text anddiscourse constitution. Berlin. 283–314.Van Dijk, T.A. and W.Kintsch. 1983. Strategies of discourse comprehension. Orlando, FL.text processing2 inference ruleinference ruleIn propositional logic ( formal logic), a rule that indicates which conclusion can bedrawn from the given propositions (=premises). ( also rule of inference, rule ofnegative inference)formal logicReferences