Multi-speaker Utterances and Co-ordinationin Task-oriented Dialogue
Kristina Poncin and Hannes Rieser
Abstract
We investigate utterances in task-oriented dialogue which are produced
by serveral agents. Starting with an example where a VP in a directive
is initiated by one agent and completed by the addressee, we set out to
explain under which conditions co-ordinations of this type can be
successful. The explanatory devices developed are 'action schema' and
'sufficiently informative proposition'. It is argued that propositions
embedded in directived must be sufficiently informative for an agent
to permit a task-relevant action of his. We suggest that agents'
co-ordination on sufficiently informative propositions be taken as a
measure for co-ordination in dialogue. Using this idea we show how
co-ordination in a full task-oriented dialogue develops. Finally, we
demonstrate that agents' "point-wise" co-ordination can be explained
using Asher-Morreau defeasible inference, a version of Lascarides-Asher
defeasible Practical Syllogism as well as additional principles like
a Co-operativity Principle and a principle saying 'Make assumed
conformity of interests and intentions publicy known!'. If our
arguments can be accepted this would first of all entail that theories
of dialogue were to be based on co-ordination and secondly, it would
also have repercussions on the notions of proposition, mutuality and
common ground.
Anke
Weinberger, 2001-05-02, 2002-01-10