Topics in Discourse Analysis

This thesis deals with the theory and analysis of connected English discourse.

The abstract theory of discourse, and its distinguishing characteristics, are discussed. Some problems in computer analysis of discourse are delineated; a method of analysis, based on a modified system of predictions, is introduced, and illustrated with examples from simple stories. A program embodying these concepts is described. Finally, possibilities for discourse, and its place in computational linguistics, are discussed, and directions for further work indicated.