Topic and comment

Abstract: An informal analysis is given of the notion of “relevance” as used in the description of discourse and discourse comprehension. The analysis is restricted to various kinds of semantic relevance. A distinction is made between relevance at the level of sentences, as it is usually discussed in terms of the opposition of topic and comment, and relevance at the global level of whole texts. In the latter case, relevance is identical with the theme or gist of a text, which is made explicit in terms of macrostructures. At both levels a further distinction is made between “normal” relevance and contrastive or differential relevance. These forms of textual relevance are distinguished from contextual relevance, which is assigned to properties of the text on the basis of the cognitive set (actual knowledge, beliefs, opinions, wishes, attitudes, or tasks) of the reader. Finally, the problem of the cognitive processes and representations involved in these various kinds of relevance assignments is discussed.

Abstract: The book focuses on the syntactic behavior of argument noun phrases depending on their discourse status. The main language of consideration is German, but it is shown that the observations can be carried over to other languages. The claim is that discourse-new arguments remain inside the VP where they are base generated. The hierarchy of argument projection is claimed to be fix within and across languages. With the major attention to direct objects it is then argued that discourse-old, here called topical noun phrases undergo raising to agreement projections. This movement can be realized differently: scrambling, object agreement, clitic-doubling, differences in morphological case and stress pattern turn out to be analyzable as one underlying phenomenon. It is furthermore shown that many so-called subject:object asymmetries boil down to topic:non-topic differences, for example with respect to extraction. Thus, irrespectively of the argumental status discourse-new constituents do not act as barriers whereas topical arguments create (weak) islands.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved apparatus for removing fallen slag from beneath a flame cutting table. A three-sided scoop is positioned below the table. Co-acting guide members are mounted along the sides of the scoop and the table. Chains are fastened to each side of the scoop and extend around vertically positioned sprockets at opposite ends of the table. The chain is located below a portion of the table guide member for protection from falling slag and heat. A motor engages the sprockets to drag the scoop from one end of the table to the other. A tube fastened to the table is positioned for carrying the returning chain.