Performing Anaphora in Modern Greek: A Neo-Gricean Pragmatic Analysis

Michael Chiou

doi:10.2478/v10015-012-0029-1

Authors

Michael Chiou M.A., PhD in Linguistics, University of Reading, UK

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2478/v10015-012-0029-1

Keywords:

anaphora, pragmatics, syntax, Grice

Abstract

The paper addresses the problem of interpreting anaphoric NPs in Modern Greek. It includes a proposal of a novel analysis based on the systematic interaction of the neo- Gricean pragmatic principles of communication, which provides a neat and elegant approach to NP-anaphora resolution. The findings of this study provide evidence for an account of NP-anaphora in terms of the division of labour between syntax and pragmatics and more accurately in terms of the systematic interaction of the neo-Gricean pragmatic principles.

Author Biography

Michael Chiou, M.A., PhD in Linguistics, University of Reading, UK

Michael Chiou holds a PhD from the University of Reading titled ‘NP-anaphora in Modern Greek: A neo-Gricean pragmatic approach’. He has also received an MA in Linguistic Science (Reading) and a BA in English Language, Linguistics and Literature (Athens). His main research interests are in pragmatics, semantics and syntax focusing on the pragmatics and its interfaces. In his thesis, he proposes that NP-anaphora patterns in Modern Greek can be partially accounted for by the employment of a pragmatic apparatus formulated upon the Levinsonian neo-Gricean pragmatic principles. He has taught syntax and pragmatics in the University of Hertfordshire and he supervises for the Li2 ‘Meanings’ Linguistics Tripos at the University of Cambridge. His work has been presented in conferences across Europe.

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