Predicting the limits of variability in discourse using neural models (B06)

• Subject Area: General and Comparative Linguistics, Experimental Linguistics, Typology, Non-European Languages
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 317633480

We investigate the notion of utterance acceptability in context, and through it, the underlying competence notion coherence, understanding it quite directly as a limit on variability in discourse follow-ups. We will assemble a test suite of relevant cases (in English), and collect acceptability judgements. Building on this, we will study which aspects of this notion, if any, neural language models capture. Finally, we will use the results of these studies to investigate whether we can improve the models by providing inductive biases that introduce discourse structural knowledge. A particular focus in these studies is on coherence in dialogue.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1287: Limits of Variability in Language: Cognitive, Grammatical, and Social Aspects
• Applicant Institution: Universität Potsdam
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. David Schlangen; Professor Dr. Manfred Stede