Some observations on the dualistic nature of discourse processing

Abstract

Abstract A range of studies on language use suggests that there is a general contrast between two kinds of discourse processing. Based on a review of these studies, which rest on a number of different methodological approaches and perspectives, the present paper argues that there is in fact converging evidence in support of the hypothesis that linguistic discourse has a dualistic structure. Central to this structure is a distinction between what tends to be referred to, respectively, as the microstructure and the macrostructure of discourse. Furthermore, it is argued that the distinction shows significant neurolinguistic correlations, and that these correlations concern the lateralization of the cerebral brain.