We propose a new model in STAG syntax and semantics for subordinate conjunctions (SubConjs) and attributing phrases – attitude/reporting verbs (AVs; believe, say) and attributing prepositional phrase (APPs; according to). This model is discourse-oriented, and is based on the observation that SubConjs and AVs are not homogeneous categories. Indeed, previous work has shown that SubConjs can be di...

This paper proposes a scheme of annotating spoken dialogues with discourse level information in terms of the discourse segment. Dialogues are coded with topic break index (TBI), which indicates the degree of topic break between the discourse segments, instead of marking a beginning and an ending utterances of the segment. TBI is graded by two levels, 1 and 2, and TBI=2 indicates a large change ...

This paper aims to contribute to the debate about relationships between technology and society, or technology in society, starting from the categories of ubiquity and pervasivity. The analysis will try to understand ubiquitous/pervasive computing as a new frontier in contemporary movements of computerization [cf. Iacono and Kling, 2001], framing it in the interrelationships between different in...

BACKGROUND The Netherlands, because of the sustained and systematic attention it paid to migrant and minority health issues during the last quarter of the twentieth century, has been depicted as being progressive in its approach to healthcare for migrants and minorities. Recently, however, these progressive policies have changed, reflecting a trend towards problematising issues of integration i...

We present a connectionist model for the interpretation of discourse particles in real dialogues that is based on neuronal principles of categorization (categorical perception, prototype formation, contextual interpretation). It can be shown that discourse particles operate just like other morphological and lexical items with respect to interpretation processes. The description proposed locates...

Among the most innovative features of the TOEFL® Internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) are the addition of a speaking measure and a revised writing measure consisting of two writing tasks. The speaking and writing measures include both independent and integrated tasks. Independent tasks require test takers to talk or write about their personal opinions or experiences. Integrated tasks require the use...

Interactive Mixed Reality installations combine multimedia with novel multimodal interaction techniques. As an example of mixed reality environments the “Sensoric Garden” seven installations shown during a festival in Bremen are described. As this kind of event cannot be evaluated in terms of usability or effectiveness, we need other categories to assess the attractiveness or “joy of use” of in...

The concept of ‘Personal Learning Environment’ (PLE) is fast emerging as a significant branch of learning technology. This paper describes the approach to this topic adopted by the Centre for Educational Technology and Interoperability Standards (CETIS) PLE project in the definition of a PLE Reference Model and in building a PLE prototype. In a domain that is typified by emerging technology, di...

This paper presents a discursive approach to the critical examination of information and describes its implementation options. The approach provides a set of concepts to ensure that examination dialogs on information objects take place in a systematic way. For this purpose, this paper takes a critical perspective on information, considers structural characteristics of examination dialog, and ar...

This study examines the nature of the discourse of advertising. The focus is on consumer advertising, which is directed towards the promotion of some product or service to the general public. The study, however, is not meant to exhaust all the aspects of this particular discourse, or present an answer to all the problems it poses. Rather, it aims at uncovering the basic elements of the most per...