MODELING AND LANGUAGE UNDERSTANDING: AN OBSERVER'S PERSPECTIVE

• Published in: Cybernetics and systems 1992-03, Vol.23 (2), p.117-132
• Main Author: RADERMACHER, F. J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Artificial intelligence; Computer science; control theory; systems; Exact sciences and technology; Speech and sound recognition and synthesis. Linguistics
• ISSN: 0196-9722; 1087-6553
• DOI: 10.1080/01969729208927453

The particular importance of linguistics in today's information society results from the central role of language in the preservation and extension of human knowledge and thus of culture and civilization. One branch of research in artificial intelligence (Al) deals with the processing of natural language via computer systems. Not surprisingly, as with other basic research areas within Al, methodologic problems are considerable, As a promising paradigm to overcome at least some of these difficulties, an approach that views the ability to model the world-or specific pans of it-as the true basis of any sophisticated cognitive behavior is discussed. In this perspective, models can be of quite different kinds. In particular, language is seen as a powerful instrument for modeling many of those areas of knowledge and activity that determine human intellectual discourse. The representation of the modeling ability of natural languages for processing with computer systems is seen as a great challenge for scientists working in this area, including those from the field of artificial intelligence and linguistics, who have the necessary expertise with the subject to be represented, namely (the modeling instrument) language. Needed work will build on research done within modern computer linguistics in recent years, such as the study of scripts, speech acts, and discourse theory.