Papers by Valandis Bardzokas
Journal of Pragmatics, 2024
The current paper aims to discuss the impact of pre-posing a subordinate clause (as in connective... more The current paper aims to discuss the impact of pre-posing a subordinate clause (as in connective p, q) on the overall meaning of a conjunction. This issue has traditionally been explored from a functional perspective and, more specifically, in relation to 'topic', 'framework' or other related notions. The current work reveals that, among the inadequacies that a topic-based account presents, it essentially falls short of a contextsensitive and unified perspective. In response to these inadequacies, a relevance-theoretic approach is proposed on procedural grounds. More specifically, it is argued that a sentence-initial subordinate clause, or, more accurately, the entire context associated with it, serves as evidence for the delivery of procedure r, namely the inference that the main-clauseproposition that may follow will be relevant to the foregoing pre-posed context. From a communicative point of view, the procedural impact of sentence-initial subordinate clauses is justified as a useful rhetorical instrument that serves to manipulate the hearer's epistemic assessment of the main-clause-proposition as genuinely relevant to the context associated with the (pre-posed) subordinate-clause proposition.
Selected papers on Theoretical and Applied Linguistics from ISTAL 25 , 2024
Bach (1999) argues that the conventional type of implicature is a theoretical artifact of linguis... more Bach (1999) argues that the conventional type of implicature is a theoretical artifact of linguistic and philosophical semantics. If it is removed, the distinction between semantic and pragmatic meaning becomes clearer and, in this sense, the specifications of 'what is said' can be straightforwardly determined; and the so-called 'indirect quotation (IQ)' test proves purposeful to this end. In fact, an utterance's semantic content can be determined subject to successful application of the IQ test to the utterance. The current presentation aims to unveil the problems besetting the reliability of Bach's IQ method from the point of view of connectives, particularly 'because'.
Pragmatics: Quarterly Publication of the International Pragmatics Association, 2023
Over the last decade there has been growing relevance-theoretic interest in the interpretation of... more Over the last decade there has been growing relevance-theoretic interest in the interpretation of creative metaphors. Much of this interest has focused on non-propositional aspects of interpretation: mental image effects/emotive effects. Central to this enquiry is the following question: are non-propositional effects essential to the metaphorical interpretation process? The implications of answering this question are important, since, if the answer is positive, then the delivery of metaphorical interpretation depends, not only on utterance processing, but also on the hearer's formation of mental images as well as emotive experience. Relevancetheoretic studies argue that mental images do not fulfill an essential role in the metaphorical interpretation process. While the supporting evidence is solid, it requires experimental substantiation. The current paper responds to this requirement, taking on board emotive effects, too, apart from mental images. Ultimately, the current work concludes that the role of non-propositional effects in metaphorical interpretation is not essential.
Journal of Pragmatics and Discourse Analysis , 2023
As standardly conceived in truth-conditional pragmatic theory, particularly from a relevance-theo... more As standardly conceived in truth-conditional pragmatic theory, particularly from a relevance-theoretic perspective, lexical adjustment can be effected by a pragmatic process of ad hoc concept construction. Studies of ad hoc concept construction fall into two types: early (or traditional) and current (or later) studies. According to the early studies, ad hoc concept construction is claimed to be accommodated univocally. While this is so, it is, in fact, viewed as falling into two varieties: narrowing and broadening. On the other hand, although current studies developed out of a concern with certain issues connected to the traditional conception of ad hoc concept construction, they seem to retain these two varieties. The current paper takes issue with the two-directional approach to ad hoc concept construction. It is argued that the specific approach is based on a line of argument detracting from descriptive rigor and parsimony. It is also argued that it has unfavorable implications for theoretical assumptions that are well-established in pragmatic theory. In this light, it is proposed that the dual view of narrowing/broadening needs to be dispensed with, along with the labels sustaining it, in the interest of a genuinely coherent view. Ultimately, the discussion offered in the present paper is intended as a potential contribution to the currently developing or later approach to ad hoc concept construction.
Journal of Pragmatics, 2021
This paper aims to investigate the pragmatics of pre-posing a subordinate clause from a relevance... more This paper aims to investigate the pragmatics of pre-posing a subordinate clause from a relevance-theoretic perspective. In order to pursue this investigation, it initially looks into the case of Modern Greek (MG) causal subordination, as in 'He came back, epiδi (because) he loved her', with a focus on the type of meaning attached to pre-posed subordinate clauses in reversed configurations, as in 'epiδi (because) he loved her, he came back'. Based on the results of this causal exploration, we reach the more general conclusion that the syntax of preposition (of any type, i.e. causal or otherwise) is used to trigger a level of pragmatic meaning, which can be treated rigorously and comprehensively in typical procedural terms. More specifically, we conclude that the pre-posing of a subordinate clause serves as a syntactic constraint on contextual information. This constraint is employed to communicate a procedure that leads to the unobjectionable acceptance of the main clause (while its realization is pending) as potentially relevant to the communicated content of the subordinate clause. In this sense, this procedure can be said to contribute additional import to the overall interpretation of a conjunction.
Pragmatics and Cognition, 2019
The current paper aims to explore the meaning of one of the most elusive discourse markers in Mod... more The current paper aims to explore the meaning of one of the most elusive discourse markers in Modern Greek rhetorical discourse: 'afu'. To address the challenge of a thorough and parsimonious account, the relevance-theoretic model of meaning analysis is deployed. The analysis undertaken ultimately reveals that the marker at hand encodes procedural meaning in standard relevance-theoretic terms. However, unlike traditional relevance-theoretic approaches linking a marker to a single procedural function, the current one proposes that 'afu' encodes a poly-procedural constraint on the implicated content of the utterance containing the marker. Moreover, it is argued that this poly-procedural constraint is rhetorically exploited by the speaker in the interest of convincing argumentation.
International Journal of Language Studies, 2019
Grice’s concern with utterance meaning was to define criteria that serve to draw a line between s... more Grice’s concern with utterance meaning was to define criteria that serve to draw a line between semantics and pragmatics. A class of words that have traditionally posed a challenge to his cause is sentence connectives. While Grice put a number of connectives under his microscope, his discussion of causal connectives basically focused on therefore, rather than other widely applied causal connectives, for instance because.
Could Grice’s framework of analysis support an adequate treatment of the connective in question? In pursuit of an answer to this question, the aim of this paper is to restore proper regard for a meaning description of prototypical causal meaning, as this is encoded in because, within the Gricean model and, at the same time, to provide feedback on the sustainability of the model.
We ultimately conclude that, unlike therefore, because cannot be treated as a case of conventional implicature. In fact, its characterization depends on the type of causal connection expressed. While, truth-conditional connections may receive a treatment in terms of the notion of what is said, non-truth-conditional connections are left unaccounted for by Gricean means. Moreover, Grice’s criteria of meaning classification prove to be unreliable and vulnerable to revision.
International Review of Pragmatics, 2019
The current paper aims to investigate the distinctions in meaning between two prototypical marker... more The current paper aims to investigate the distinctions in meaning between two prototypical markers of contrast in Modern Greek, i.e. alla and ma, from a relevance-theoretic viewpoint. At first sight, the two markers seem freely interchangeable across contexts, creating the impression that they basically share the same meaning. However, a more careful exploration of the contextual occurrences of these markers unravels their finely grained distinctions in meaning. This type of exploration requires a detailed categorization of the types of context that license or preclude the application of the markers at hand. In this sense, specific contexts highlight aspects of interpretation that motivate the use of one of the markers but not the other. Specifically, as it turns out, while the use of alla is chiefly associated with contexts of procedural elimination, in standard relevance-theoretic terms, the use of ma is justified in relation to expressing the speaker's attitude of surprise to a contextual assumption constructed by the hearer, in addition to effecting procedural elimination. In this sense, ma proves to encode a dual constraint on the implicitly communicated content of an utterance, explained univocally in procedural terms.
E. Agathopoulou, T. Danavassi & L. Efstathiadi (eds), Selected papers on Theoretical and Applied Linguistics from ISTAL 2015 (International Symposium on Theoretical and Applied Linguistics, 24-26 April 2015). Thessaloniki: School of English, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki,, 2017
This paper attempts to corroborate the claim made recently for a differentiating treatment of the... more This paper attempts to corroborate the claim made recently for a differentiating treatment of the two prototypical, monolexemic causal connectives in Modern Greek, i.e. γiati and epiδi, this time from an experimental pragmatic point of view. To achieve this aim, our experiment involves observing native speakers of Modern Greek of two age groups, that is, children and adults. At the same time, taking up this issue necessarily involves challenging the traditional justification of experimental pragmatics by recourse to the research on scalar implicatures. Hence, we aim to broaden the experimental pragmatic view, so that its scope includes causal subordinators, rather than just coordinating markers.
Corpus Pragmatics, Apr 2017
Τheoretical-pragmatic research in the field of Modern Greek causality
suggests the need for a dif... more Τheoretical-pragmatic research in the field of Modern Greek causality
suggests the need for a differentiating treatment of the two prototypical,
monolexemic and seemingly synonymous causal subordinators γiati and epiδi, especially in view of real-language data. In fact, recent relevance-theoretic investigations have supported this claim, applying the distinction between conceptual and procedural meaning to the analysis of these two markers. Thus, while epiδi is reserved for a conceptual characterization, γiati qualifies for either a conceptual or a procedural appraisal, depending on the context where it occurs. Despite their
descriptive vigor, the arguments underlying this claim have often been challenged, especially on the grounds of lack of empirical support. The current project undertakes to respond to this long-standing request. To this effect, it conducts a corpusanalytic study of causal meaning. In doing so, it exploits corpora adduced in the Corpus of Greek Texts. On this type of analysis, we avail ourselves of the opportunity to examine the behavior of the two causal markers from a wide textual perspective: in conceptual versus procedural conjunctions within a range of contextual settings (or genres) in both written and spoken discourse. Ultimately, the results of the present corpus analysis come to confirm the claim that the two markers bear distinct types of meaning.
Language and Communication, Nov 2015
The current paper unveils the problems undermining the relevance-theoretic procedural view of cor... more The current paper unveils the problems undermining the relevance-theoretic procedural view of correction-but, as it stands, in face of the fact that the specific application appears to defy inclusion in the procedural definition. On this view, the uniformity of a general account of but seems to be at risk. The paper aims to propose a more plausible relevance-driven account of correction that does not compromise the cause of a univocal treatment of but in procedural terms. To achieve this aim, it introduces a distinction in correction interpretation that has so far eluded attention in the relevant literature: descriptive and metarepresentational.
Journal of Pragmatics , Jan 2014
The current paper sets out to explore finely grained distinctions in causal meaning. In this sens... more The current paper sets out to explore finely grained distinctions in causal meaning. In this sense, it focuses on the two prototypical, monolexemic exponents of causal subordination in Modern Greek (MG), i.e. γiati and epeiδi, in a diversity of contextual applications. Interestingly, the translation counterpart of both markers in the corresponding contexts in English is because. However, despite initial readings, it transpires that the two Modern Greek connectives display distinct distributional regularities. Exposing the finer distinctions in causal interpretation requires a theoretical model of meaning analysis that warrants sharp observations of meaning in context. To this effect, the relevance-theoretic machinery is implemented. It is shown that a rigorous and realistic account of the two causal markers can be secured by exploiting the full range of distinctions in meaning drawn in this framework: conceptual/procedural, explicit/implicit and truth-conditional/non-truth-conditional. In this connection, then, the current study also outlines the types of encoded constraint contributing to the determination of the divide between semantic and pragmatic content.
Research Trends of Intercultural Pragmatics, I. Kecskes & J. Romero-Trillo (eds). Berlin/New York: Mouton de Gruyter., 2013
The current paper aims to contrast the meaning of the two prototypical and seemingly interchangea... more The current paper aims to contrast the meaning of the two prototypical and seemingly interchangeable causal subordinators in Modern Greek, i.e. γiati and epeiδi, in a range of contextual applications. Against the backdrop of examining their finely-grained distinctions and the way these distinctions pertain to distinct aspects of communication, or communicating causal content, the requirement for an elegant and versatile framework of pragmatic analysis becomes essential. In this connection, the relevance-theoretic model is employed in pursuit of an adequate description of conjunctive meaning in discourse. Can the cognitive-pragmatic component of the model at hand contribute to a differentiating treatment of γiati and epeiδi as connectives that assume distinct roles in the delivery of causal interpretation in verbal interaction? As is expected in pragmatic accounts of connectives, a crucial issue to address here relates to the feedback that this study can offer to the on-going discussion on distinguishing semantic from pragmatic aspects of utterance meaning.
Selected Papers from the 19th International Symposium on Theoretical and Applied Linguistics, E. Kitis, N. Lavidas, N. Topinzi & T. Tsangalidis (eds).Thessaloniki: Monochromia. , 2011
A class of causal meaning that has so far received little attention in pragmatic research is that... more A class of causal meaning that has so far received little attention in pragmatic research is that of ‘metacommunicative’ cause introduced by Kalokerinos (2004). In fact, the specific notion has been explicated in terms of the causal marker γiati picking up “elements of the communicative setting to justify not an illocutionary act but a higher-order act of communication” (Kalokerinos 2004: 37). We will argue that the view of metacommunicative aspects of meaning is wanting in two important respects for rigorous descriptions of causality. For one thing, it seems to be insensitive to linguistic underspecificity considerations. Moreover, we will argue that the notion at hand appears underdefined and, in this light, is not expected to constitute a constant point of reference in prospective accounts of relevant causal data. Ultimately, we will put forward the claim that all cases thought of as metacommunicative are analyzable in the procedural terms stipulated in relevance theory at no extra cost. In the same vein, cases of underspecification are accounted for procedurally, too, in an economical fashion.
Selected Papers from the 18th International Symposium on Theoretical and Applied Linguistics, T. Tsangalidis (ed). Thessaloniki: Monochromia, 2009
The current analysis takes a relevance-theoretic view of the two most frequently applied mono-lex... more The current analysis takes a relevance-theoretic view of the two most frequently applied mono-lexemic causal connectives in Modern Greek discourse, i.e. γiati and epeiδi. The suggestion is that epeiδi-introduced clauses are to be treated conceptually, while γiati performs either a conceptual or procedural function depending on its use. This treatment follows up on Kitis’s (2006) findings regarding the operation of the connectives under discussion. It will be concluded that the relevance-theoretic based results corroborate Kitis’s account and, further, offer a more refined explication of the constraints on the application of the conjuncts. In fact, it will be illustrated that the theory in application offers the required tools for distinguishing among three types of procedural meaning underlying the interpretation of γiati.
Duisburg: Linguistic Agency of the University of Duisburg (LAUD), Prepublished papers, 2004
Books by Valandis Bardzokas
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, 2022
The current volume includes a selection of peer-reviewed papers, originally presented in the 24th... more The current volume includes a selection of peer-reviewed papers, originally presented in the 24th International Symposium on Theoretical and Applied Linguistics (ISTAL 24), which took place in Thessaloniki between 2 and 4 October 2020. ISTAL 24 was held online. Amidst the dark times of the pandemic outbreak of COVID 19, it stood out as a beacon of light that attracted interest from all quarters of Linguistics and all corners of the earth. Speaking in numerical terms, the symposium attracted 168 speakers (who presented 84 papers, oral or poster) from a large number of countries covering a broad spectrum in all main areas of theoretical and applied linguistics. It also hosted (i) five plenary talks that addressed current topics in theoretical and applied linguistics, and (ii) a thematic session dedicated to topics in cognitive linguistics: figuration, applied cognitive linguistics, constructions, cognitive poetics, emotions and culture specificity. We are beyond grateful to our distinguished invited speakers for being part of our endeavor: Ghada Khattab, Enric Llurda, David Marsh, Kiki Nikiforidou and Ianthi Maria Tsimpli. Particular thanks go to Kiki Nikiforidou, who contributed to the present volume her paper on one of the most hotly debated issues in current linguistic enquiry, that of polysemy.
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Papers by Valandis Bardzokas
Could Grice’s framework of analysis support an adequate treatment of the connective in question? In pursuit of an answer to this question, the aim of this paper is to restore proper regard for a meaning description of prototypical causal meaning, as this is encoded in because, within the Gricean model and, at the same time, to provide feedback on the sustainability of the model.
We ultimately conclude that, unlike therefore, because cannot be treated as a case of conventional implicature. In fact, its characterization depends on the type of causal connection expressed. While, truth-conditional connections may receive a treatment in terms of the notion of what is said, non-truth-conditional connections are left unaccounted for by Gricean means. Moreover, Grice’s criteria of meaning classification prove to be unreliable and vulnerable to revision.
suggests the need for a differentiating treatment of the two prototypical,
monolexemic and seemingly synonymous causal subordinators γiati and epiδi, especially in view of real-language data. In fact, recent relevance-theoretic investigations have supported this claim, applying the distinction between conceptual and procedural meaning to the analysis of these two markers. Thus, while epiδi is reserved for a conceptual characterization, γiati qualifies for either a conceptual or a procedural appraisal, depending on the context where it occurs. Despite their
descriptive vigor, the arguments underlying this claim have often been challenged, especially on the grounds of lack of empirical support. The current project undertakes to respond to this long-standing request. To this effect, it conducts a corpusanalytic study of causal meaning. In doing so, it exploits corpora adduced in the Corpus of Greek Texts. On this type of analysis, we avail ourselves of the opportunity to examine the behavior of the two causal markers from a wide textual perspective: in conceptual versus procedural conjunctions within a range of contextual settings (or genres) in both written and spoken discourse. Ultimately, the results of the present corpus analysis come to confirm the claim that the two markers bear distinct types of meaning.
Books by Valandis Bardzokas
Could Grice’s framework of analysis support an adequate treatment of the connective in question? In pursuit of an answer to this question, the aim of this paper is to restore proper regard for a meaning description of prototypical causal meaning, as this is encoded in because, within the Gricean model and, at the same time, to provide feedback on the sustainability of the model.
We ultimately conclude that, unlike therefore, because cannot be treated as a case of conventional implicature. In fact, its characterization depends on the type of causal connection expressed. While, truth-conditional connections may receive a treatment in terms of the notion of what is said, non-truth-conditional connections are left unaccounted for by Gricean means. Moreover, Grice’s criteria of meaning classification prove to be unreliable and vulnerable to revision.
suggests the need for a differentiating treatment of the two prototypical,
monolexemic and seemingly synonymous causal subordinators γiati and epiδi, especially in view of real-language data. In fact, recent relevance-theoretic investigations have supported this claim, applying the distinction between conceptual and procedural meaning to the analysis of these two markers. Thus, while epiδi is reserved for a conceptual characterization, γiati qualifies for either a conceptual or a procedural appraisal, depending on the context where it occurs. Despite their
descriptive vigor, the arguments underlying this claim have often been challenged, especially on the grounds of lack of empirical support. The current project undertakes to respond to this long-standing request. To this effect, it conducts a corpusanalytic study of causal meaning. In doing so, it exploits corpora adduced in the Corpus of Greek Texts. On this type of analysis, we avail ourselves of the opportunity to examine the behavior of the two causal markers from a wide textual perspective: in conceptual versus procedural conjunctions within a range of contextual settings (or genres) in both written and spoken discourse. Ultimately, the results of the present corpus analysis come to confirm the claim that the two markers bear distinct types of meaning.