An Algebra for Semantic Construction in Constraint-based Grammars

Ann A. Copestake, Alex Lascarides, Dan Flickinger

Abstract: We develop a framework for formalizing semantic construction within grammars expressed in typed feature structure logics, including HPSG. The approach provides an alternative to the lambda calculus; it maintains much of the desirable flexibility of unification-based approaches to composition, while constraining the allowable operations in order to capture basic generalizations and improve maintainability.