Context Search Algorithm for Lexical Knowledge Acquisition

A Context Search algorithm used for lexical knowledge acquisition is presented. Knowledge representation based on psycholinguistic theories of cognitive processes allows for implementation of a computational model of semantic memory in the form of semantic network. Knowledge acquisition using supervised dialog templates have been performed in a word game designed to guess the concept a human user is thinking about. The game that has been implemented on a web server, demonstrates elementary linguistic competencies based on lexical knowledge stored in semantic memory, enabling at the same time acquisition and validation of knowledge. Possible applications of the algorithm in domains of medical diagnosis and information retrieval are sketched.