Absolute Syntax and Structure of an Indexing and Switching Language*

Switching from one information system to another would be convenient if the information languages  that is, the method of representation of subjects and other information content of discourse used in the systems are syntactically consistent, compatible with each other, and inter-convertible at a reasonable cost. In this connection, the development of an intermediate language through which the switching from one information language to another is an important consideration. An idea is a pattern, a gestalt, a form, a structure that one perceives. A subject of a discourse of an information source or of a user’s query is a combination of ideas, that is, of structures; therefore, the structure of a subjectrepresentation that is, of a subject surrogate has a bearing on the user’s ‘perception’ of the subject represented. Some characteristic features of an information structure helpful to users, the problems of transformation of information structures, the linear structuring of subject surrogates, and some criteria for the choice of a ‘standard format’ or framework or model for such structuring are considered. Absolute syntax is defined as the sequence of the component ideas in a subject helpful and acceptable to a majority of users. The helpfulness of structuring of subject parallel to the absolute syntax is indicated, together with supporting information based on postulations and research on deep structure of languages (Chomsky, Fodor, Katz, Filmore, Birbhaum, and others), biocybernetics (Lazlo), syntax of knowledge (Meredith), common structure in preserving messages in a set of transformations (Rosenbleuth), etc. The generalised facet structure (model) of subject representation obtained on the basis of the general theory of classification and the guiding principles for helpful sequence formulated thereof (Ranganathan and the Bangalore School) is found to be helpful and acceptable to a large number of users of information systems, and therefore, conjectured to parallel the absolute syntax. Work done in this regard and in the development of specific schemes for classification and for the formulation of subject headings in different languages within the general framework (model), is mentioned.