Computer-Assisted Reasoning with Natural Language: Implementing a Mathematical Vernacular

This paper presents the Durham Mathematical Vernacular (MV) project. The project aims to develop the technology for interactive tools based on proof checking with type theory, which allow mathematicians to develop mathematics in their usual vernacular. Its sub-goals are to develop type theory technology to support MV and to develop the corresponding NL technology. Mathematical language has many significant differences from everyday language, hence a different approach is required to automatically process such language. We discuss some important differences and how they affect implementation. A key requirement is for correctness. Another key feature is that the user defineshis own terminology. We then discuss work in progress, namely the issue of semantic well-formedness in mathematical descriptions, and a prototype being developed to experiment with aspects of the project.