ATN Grammar Modeling in Applied Linguistics

Au~mentad TrarmitiOn Network grm.n~rs have significant areas of ~mexplored application as a simulation tool for grammar designers. The intent of this paper is to discuss some current efforts in developing a gr=m.~ testing tool for the specialist in linguistics. ~e scope of the system trader discussion isto display structures based on the modeled grarmar. Full language definition with facilitation of semantic interpretation is not within the scope of the systems described in this paper. Application of granrar testing to an applied linguistics research envi~t is enphasized. Extensions to the teaching of linguistics principles and to refinemmt of the primitive All{ f%mctions are also considered. Application of the A~q to general granmar modeling for simulation and comparative purposes was first suggested by ~,bods(1). ibtivating factors for using the net:,,~ork model as an applied gra, mar design tool ere: I. syntactic as well as s~tic level of analysis. The ATN is proposed as a tool for assistin~ the linguist to develop systsmatic descriptions of ~e data. It is assumed that the typical user will interface with the system at a point where an AEN and lexicon have bem~ developed. The ATN is developed from the theoretical model chosen by the linguist. Once the ~ is imp lememtad as a cooputational procedure , the user enters test data, displays structures, the lexicon, and edits the grammr to produce a refined A~] grarmar description. The displayed structures provide a labeled structural inremyretation of the input string based on the lin=~uistic model used. Trac-ing'of the parse may be used to follow the process of building the structural interpretation. Computational implemm~tation requires giving attention to the details of the interrelationships of gr~.matical rules and the interaction between the grammar rule system and the lexical representation. Testing the grammr against data forces a level of systemization that is significantly more rigorous than discussion oriented evaluation of gra~er sys ~m,. The model provides a meens of organizing strut-rural descriptions at any level, from surface syntax to deep propositional inrerpreta=icms. 2. A nemmrk m~el may be used Co re~resent different theoretical approaches Co grammr definition. The graphical representation of a gramrar permitted by the neuaork model is a relati~ly clear and precise way to express notions about struc-t~/re. 3. Computational simulation of the gramsr enables systematic tracing of subc~xx~nts and testing against text data. 4. Grimes (2), in a series of linguistics workshops, d~ strafed the utility of the …