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U.S. Department of Energy
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Computer interpretation of natural language descriptions

Book ·
OSTI ID:5652998

This description of how a computer program can build up an internal model of a world described in natural languages, concentrates on questions involving the timing of this process. It asks the questions: how does a natural language text convey meaning, and to what extent is it possible to build up an understanding gradually as the book progresses. This approach avoids local ambiguity, providing a system which can use its knowledge of the world effectively to guide interpretation. The author considers the interpretation of pronouns, plural phrases and the simple uses of quantification in the light of a system which can represent and reason about objects which are only partially specified. The work illustrates theoretical ideas by means of a computer program which understands simple mechanics problems stated in English.

OSTI ID:
5652998
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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