File change semantics models how sentences dynamically update our understanding of a discourse. It uses "files" with "cards" representing entities mentioned, storing info about their properties and relationships. This approach helps explain how we interpret and connect information as a conversation unfolds.

The theory distinguishes between indefinites, which introduce new entities, and definites, which refer to established ones. It's particularly useful for analyzing phenomena like anaphora and presupposition, offering a detailed view of how we track and update information during discourse.

File Change Semantics

Key concepts of file change semantics

• Models the interpretation of sentences in a discourse as a dynamic process
• Files represent the current state of the discourse and contain file cards for each discourse referent (entities mentioned in the discourse)
• File cards store information about the properties and relations of discourse referents
• File states capture snapshots of the file at different points in the discourse
• File updates modify the file state based on the meaning of each sentence, such as adding new file cards for newly introduced referents or updating existing cards with new information

Application in discourse interpretation

• Sentence meaning in file change semantics includes both truth conditions and potential to update the file state
• Interpretation of a sentence depends on the current file state and affects the file state for subsequent sentences
• Sentences serve as instructions for updating the file state
  • "A man walked in" triggers the creation of a new file card for the introduced referent (the man)
  • "He sat down" updates the file card with additional information about the referent
• Enables modeling of context-dependent phenomena like anaphora and presupposition

Treatment of indefinites and definites

• Indefinites (a man) introduce new discourse referents by creating a new file card with initial information from the indefinite
• Definites (the man) refer to already established discourse referents, assuming a unique file card exists based on the information in the file
• Captures the distinct roles of indefinites (introducing new information and expanding context) and definites (referring back to established information and maintaining coherence)

Comparison with Other Dynamic Semantic Theories

File change semantics vs update semantics

• Both are dynamic semantic theories modeling the interpretation of sentences in a discourse
• Update semantics (Veltman) focuses on information states representing knowledge or beliefs and how sentences update these states
  • Sentences are functions mapping input information states to output information states
• File change semantics emphasizes discourse referents and their representations in files
  • Provides a more explicit account of how discourse referents are introduced and updated throughout a discourse
• Both capture the context-dependent nature of meaning and dynamic effects of sentences on discourse
• File change semantics offers a more fine-grained representation of discourse referents and their properties, making it particularly suitable for analyzing anaphora and definite reference