Centering: A Framework for Modeling the Local Coherence of Discourse

4 Claims of centering theory

1. What is the most fundamental claim of centering theory?
   To the extent a discourse adheres to centering constraints, its coherence increases and the inference load on the hearer decreases.
   • Grosz et al., 1995, Centering (Computational Linguistics), §4
2. List the main claims of centering theory.
   A unique \(C_b\) per utterance; ranking of \(C_f\) by several factors; centering constrains realization (Rule 1); preferences among transition sequences (Rule 2); primacy of partial information (a semantic theory must allow partial interpretations); locality of \(C_b\) (chosen only from \(C_f(U_{n-1})\)); and center determination by a combination of discourse factors, not syntax or semantics alone.
   • Grosz et al., 1995, Centering (Computational Linguistics), §4
3. What does “locality of \(C_b\)” mean?
   \(C_b(U_n)\) must come from \(C_f(U_{n-1})\), not from earlier utterances; if it seems to come from \(C_f(U_{n-2})\), that’s only because it is also in \(C_f(U_{n-1})\).
   • Grosz et al., 1995, Centering (Computational Linguistics), §4