A Convention-based Approach to Agent Communication Languages

This article aims to provide foundations for a new approach to Agent Communication Languages (ACLs). First, we present the theory of signalling acts. In contrast to current approaches to communication, this account is neither intention-based nor commitment-based, but convention-based. Next, we explore ways of embedding that theory within an account of conversation. We move here from an account of the basic types of communicative act (the statics of communication) to an account of their role in sequences of exchanges in communicative interaction (the dynamics of communication). Finally, we apply the framework to the analysis of conversational protocols such as the English auction protocol. We propose to give a compact expression of conversation protocols by means of a formula of the object-language. We also use this kind of representation to provide the basis for a procedure for keeping a record of the conventional effects achieved in a conversation. A corresponding axiomatic presentation is given, and shown to be sound and complete with respect to our proposed semantics. This paper is a revised and considerably extended version of Jones and Parent (2004). Some of the material included herein appeared in the document ‚A Logical Framework’, written by Andrew J. I. Jones, an unpublished chapter that formed part of the deliverables from the project ALFEBIITE (to which reference is made in the concluding acknowledgements).     

基于"合作原则"的"会话含义"解读

有关合作原则对会话含义的制约的讨论由来已久,由此,论文探讨了合作原则在会话含义解读中的作用。同时,从实证的角度,指出G rice会话原则的局限性,提出要全面理解会话含义。     

会话“衔接短路”现象的认知语用解读

会话"衔接短路"是日常交际中普遍存在的现象,它的产生有内在的语用根据与认知理据.它是指交际主体出于礼貌、面子等因素取消衔接手段,并通过人的认知参照点在会话深层结构里构建会话的连贯,是伴随着交际者认知语境以及交际语境的变化而附着交际者意图与目的的心理表征上连贯.     

Collecting Event Histories with TrueTales:Techniques to Improve Autobiographical Recall Problems in Standardized Interviews

This article deals with the challenges autobiographical recall processes present to validity of events and their dates in the collection of life histories in standardized interviews. Effective interviewing techniques should support the idiosyncratic cognitive structure and the reconstructive memory processes of autobiographical memory by allowing to flexibly explore the interconnections between memories. We describe the techniques and strategies of interviewing and data recording used in the German Life History Study, namely modularization, forward recall and single case data edition. We introduce TrueTales, a CATI- Program designed to support memory and communication in the interview, and results of its experimental evaluation. TrueTales personalizes instructions, questions and probes and permits controlled flexibility in dealing with individual biographies and recall strategies. Working with a calendar-based time-line, it yields more complete, consistent and valid event histories. Finally, we discuss implications for standardized interviewing practices and the concept of standardization.     

从认知角度解析将会话含义分为一般和特殊的理据

本文详细阐述了经典会话含义理论在对待含义划分这个问题上的具体做法及其结果，同时也指出了个中的弊端和不足。在此基础上，建议把某些认知因素（省力原则和尽力原则）介入其中，以语境量为出发点，重新解析一般会话含义和特殊会话含义的划分理据，并提出应以此为契机，对该问题进行进一步的探索。