The dynamics of framing in dialogue

In this paper, we propose a fine-grained, empirically-driven formalisation of framing in discourse, with a particular focus on dialogical interaction. This formalisation provides an operationalization of framing that lays the foundation for subsequently (i) designing guidelines for the annotation of framing moves in large-scale dialogue datasets and (ii) implementing computational models that can be informed with the necessary cornerstones of linguistically-motivated models of framing. The core assumptions of our model are based on Entman (1993) who defines framing as the way “to select some aspects of a perceived reality and to make them more salient”. But we go beyond the work of Entman to show, in abstract, generalised terms, what it means to use framing to make things more salient and, furthermore, how such salience can be changed through framing dynamics. The paper describes the formal underpinnings of the ways that frames evolve and are reacted to in dialogue by way of seven framing moves . These moves characterise how interlocutors modify salience from one frame to another. Through our model, it becomes possible to capture both local and long-distance structures of framing in natural communication. We illustrate the workings of the model based on two real-life examples of framing in dialogue and highlight how this model can connect to contemporary pragmatic models of communication.