In the literature on tautologies it is assumed that the context plays a major role in their interpretation. We provide an analysis of contexts in which tautologies are encountered in the framework of the theories of discourse structure. We examine a collection of tautologies made from proper names (TPNs) referring to famous personalities, and show that, contrary to the predictions made in previous analyses, i) TPNs can receive a wide variety of interpretations and hence can participate in any kind of rhetorical relation; and ii) TPNs are not necessarily specialized in the evocation of an evaluative attitude.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)79-99
Number of pages21
JournalLanguage and Communication
Volume76
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2021

    Research areas

  • Tautologies, interpretation, Rhetorical relations, evaluation, Evaluation, Interpretation, BOYS WILL, PRAGMATICS, KNOWLEDGE, CONSTRUCTIONS

    Scopus subject areas

  • Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
  • Communication
  • Social Psychology
  • Language and Linguistics
  • Linguistics and Language

ID: 70985474