Definitions of Conjunction and Disjunction

[Andy Potter]

Maite,

There is what I assume is an inclusive disjunction in the Wikipedia article on accidental death and dismemberment insurance (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accidental_death_and_dismemberment_insurance)

"Dismemberment refers to the loss of two limbs or the complete loss of sight (ie: blindness)"

Andrew

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Maite Taboada 
  To: RSTLIST at LISTSERV.LINGUISTLIST.ORG 
  Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2006 12:54 PM
  Subject: Re: [RST-LIST] Definitions of Conjunction and Disjunction


  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).

  ----------------------------------
  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?]

  ----------------------------------

  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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