Abstract specification of grammar
In this thesis I explore the use of an algebraic (software) specification language (ASL) in the description and modelling of natural language grammar. I am particularly concerned with the application of methods of loose specification and stepwise refinement, and modularisation and parameterisation. I have some background on the use of specifications in software engineering, and suggest some benefits one might obtain from the use of such disciplines in the description of grammar. I introduce the language ASL and the algebraic concepts underlying it. I consider how we might describe the notion of constituency, independent of concrete styles of grammar, and how this leads to the need for an intensional domain. By enriching this domain, we can deal with matters such as agreement. I sketch abstract specifications of core treatments in PATR-II, LFG, GPSG and HPSG. Some consideration is given to the use of <i>institutions</i> to allow us to work in different (logical or programming) languages. I develop, in tandem, abstract descriptions and parameterised implementations to deal with topicalisation and wh-relatives. Lastly, I consider how loose specification and parameterisation may be employed in developing a cross-linguistic
Newton, Michael
Abstract specification of grammar. In this thesis I explore the use of an algebraic (software) specification language (ASL) in the description and modelling of natural language grammar. I am particularly concerned with the application of methods of loose specification and stepwise refinement, and modularisation and parameterisation. I have some background on the use of specifications in software engineering, and suggest some benefits one might obtain from the use of such disciplines in the description of grammar. I introduce the language ASL and the algebraic concepts underlying it. I consider how we might describe the notion of constituency, independent of concrete styles of grammar, and how this leads to the need for an intensional domain. By enriching this domain, we can deal with matters such as agreement. I sketch abstract specifications of core treatments in PATR-II, LFG, GPSG and HPSG. Some consideration is given to the use of <i>institutions</i> to allow us to work in different (logical or programming) languages. I develop, in tandem, abstract descriptions and parameterised implementations to deal with topicalisation and wh-relatives. Lastly, I consider how loose specification and parameterisation may be employed in developing a cross-linguistic
abstract specification grammar explore use software specification language description model natural_language grammar particularly concerned application_method loose specification refinement background use specification software engineering suggest benefit one_might obtain use discipline description grammar introduce language concept underlie consider might describe notion constituency independent concrete style grammar lead need intensional domain enrich domain deal matter agreement sketch abstract specification core treatment lfg hpsg consideration_give use institution allow work different logical programming languages develop tandem abstract description implementation deal topicalisation lastly consider loose specification may employ develop cross_linguistic