Definitions of Conjunction and Disjunction

[Maite Taboada]

Hi all,

Just a follow-up to the Conjunction/Disjunction thread. As I mentioned a 
while back, I'll post the definitions of these relations and examples on 
the site. I just wanted to make sure we are all thinking along the lines 
below. As discussed, I've left out any mention of exclusive/inclusive 
disjunction, and of lexical cues.

Definitions come via Gisela Redeker, taken from a previous version of the 
RST site. Examples are from Jelisaveta Safranj and from my own corpus 
(epinions.com reviews).

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Conjunction
Constraints on each pair of N: The items are conjoined to form a unit in 
which each item plays a comparable role
Intention of W: R recognizes that the linked items are conjoined

Examples:
- [This didn't make me like the story any less] [nor did I find it hard to 
follow]
- [Disney provides great access to transportation] and [every cast member 
is ready to provide detailed directions and tips for getting to your 
desired destination quickly.]

Disjunction:
Constraints on each pair of N: An item presents a (not necessarily 
exclusive) alternative for the other(s)
Intention of W: R recognizes that the linked items are alternatives

Examples:
- [Call it a fad.] [Or call it the wave of the future.]
- In the aerobic phase, for instance, lactic acid and lactate are still 
produced, [but they are consumed by less active muscles] [or metabolized in 
the liver] and so do not accumulate
- [Will Peter ever get out], [or will he die in the tower?]

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It looks like we only have examples of exclusive disjunction. Following RST 
tradition, I'd like to have only attested examples (i.e., not made up).

If you think the definitions or examples are not accurate, or you have 
something else to add, please reply. Otherwise, I'll post these on the RST 
site soon.

Thanks,
- Maite


_____
Maite Taboada
Assistant Professor
Department of Linguistics
Simon Fraser University
8888 University Dr.
Burnaby, B.C. V5A 1S6
Canada

Tel: 604-291-5585  Fax: 604-291-5659
mtaboada at sfu.ca - http://www.sfu.ca/~mtaboada
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