Understanding and Translating Language – Challenges of the 90s

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Dahl, Veronica

Affiliations: Logic and Functional Programming Group, L.C.C.R., and Computing Sciences Dept. Simon Fraser University Burnaby, B.C., V5A 1S6 Canada

Abstract: We discuss ways in which to interpret “understanding” and “translating” from a machine's point of view, and we examine some of the reasons why such tasks are so difficult (namely, ambiguity, pragmatics, stylistic resources, world views and the interpretation of metamessages). Then we discuss the successes so far, and our readiness for solutions which may depart from traditional approaches in view of trying to get the whole picture regarding meaning (e.g., by the use of less studied clues such as body language or intonation). We advocate focussing on deduction and on parametrization, and we also promote the use of cognitive sciences results, in particular linguistic theory, while examining the challenges that this difficult integration will entail.

DOI: 10.3233/AIC-1995-8201

Journal: AI Communications, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 71-77, 1995