DISCOURSE MANAGEMENT IN TERMS OF MENTAL SPACES

In this paper, we present a theory of discourse management, based on a version of Mental Space Theory, modified to accommodate dialogic disc ourse by incorporating a memory management system. We posit a cognitiv e interface between linguistic expressions and the memory-base. This i nterface works as a mental discourse domain in which elements are set up and relations defined in the course of a discourse. We propose to d ivide this mental discourse domain into two components, I-domain (inte nsional, indirect domain) and D-domain (deictic, direct domain). The I -domain is linked to the temporary memory and houses assumptions which are newly introduced to the discourse by linguistic description. The D-domain is linked to the permanent memory (and direct experience) and houses assumptions that are directly accessible. To demonstrate the c orrectness of our approach, we examine phenomena in Japanese involving reference fixing: proper nouns, third person pronouns and demonstrati ves, and assumption management particles: sentence final particles yo and ne. We show that our dual domain approach solves problems of mutua l knowledge paradox involved in these phenomena by eliminating the nee d to make any reference to the hearer's knowledge assumed by the speak er in the description, thereby providing a powerful descriptive tool f or some of the most recalcitrant problems in linguistic phenomena.