Autonomem

Autonomem is a proposed unit in linguistic theory and cognitive modeling that denotes a self-contained semantic element capable of autonomous reference within discourse. Unlike ordinary lexical items that derive much of their meaning from syntax and prior context, an autonomem is conceived as carrying an intrinsic potential to initiate, steer, or reconfigure referential grounding across sentences and scenes.

Origin and scope

The term autonomem is a neologism used in speculative discussions and some science fiction–influenced analyses to describe units that anchor discourse without requiring explicit antecedents in every utterance. In this conception, an autonomem’s interpretation evolves with context and discourse history, enabling flexible reference as a narrative or dialogue unfolds.

Core properties

Autonomems are described as having autonomous referential projection, context-sensitive anchoring, and a form of modular memory. A single autonomem may maintain a reference that persists while its interpretation shifts with changing situation, topic, or viewpoint. This allows complex discourse patterns such as topic reorientation, perspective shifts, or the reallocation of attention without issuing new referential expressions.

Relation to existing notions

Autonomem is related to deixis and anaphora but is proposed as a distinct construct with a self-update mechanism. In this view, an autonomem can act as a self-contained referential package whose grounding is updated by discourse dynamics rather than requiring repeated explicit licensing in each segment.

Applications and reception

In theory, autonomems could inform models of dynamic reference in narratives, advanced dialogue systems, and cognitive simulations of discourse. Critics note that the concept lacks broad empirical validation and clear operational definitions, and similar ideas are often treated within existing frameworks of deixis, anaphora, and referential theory.