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Statement

Definition​

Used when: the source argument is a narrative, descriptive or personal statement. These include:

  • narrative (pieces of story)
  • declarative statements of facts, possibly in situated in the dialogue setting ("boulder is north of denver", "I just drew three cards")
  • personal statements (I was born in chicago, I get along well with my boss) Statements that are personal differ from Opinion in that it is something the listener doesn't really "get to be an expert on". If the statement is about something more general, that the listener could conceivably have their own (possibly differing) opinion about, then it will be Opinion.

Examples​

(1) A: "Potable" means safe to drink.
---
(1) --> Statement --> (1)

A is making a general declarative statement about the meaning of "potable".

<in the collaborative board game Forbidden Island>

(120) Engineer: Breakers
(121) Engineer: Bridge
(122) Pilot: Golden Gate
(123) Messenger: Breaker's Bridge, that one you're on.
---
(123) -- Statement --> (120)

The Messenger is making a declarative statement situated in the context of the game, identifying the location of the Engineer's piece.

<in an online game of Settlers of Catan>

(899) gw4s: I was rather rich in wheat
---
(899) -- Statement --> (899)

gw4s is making a personal statement about their experience in the game, specifically about their resources.