It is almost always a mistake to put a single author's name on a piece of research. This is especially true for the present study, since so many people have had more than a passing influence on the ideas and methods used. Most of the real work of this project was done while I was studying with Bill Mann, Manny Schegloff, and Sandy Thompson, who, in spite of their different approaches, all encouraged me, and helped create what is here now. Without their constant support, this study would never have been possible.

Sandy Chung, Jack Du Bois, Talmy Givón, Paul Hopper, and Paul Schachter have all contributed, sometimes unknowingly, to my general philosophy of language and to my appreciation of other languages. Their influence pervades the text in a somewhat less visible way, but it is still there.

My latest thinking about discourse and grammar has been shaped by colleagues at the University of Colorado, most notably Walter Kintsch and Paul Smolensky. They have increased my appreciation for what cognitive psychology and computer science have to offer linguistics, and have been instrumental in making Colorado an exciting place to be.

Many friends, colleagues, and family members have provided support for the efforts realized here. To my parents I owe the greatest debt, for always being understanding about everything. Loralee MacPike provided support and encouragement for many years, and still does, at a distance.