LINGUIST List 8.1155

Thu Aug 7 1997

Qs: Conjunctions, NLP Tools, Holocaust

Editor for this issue: Martin Jacobsen <martylinguistlist.org>

Directory

1. Ken Litkowski, Analysis of subordinating conjunctions
2. Iram Shahzad, dictionary for developing NLP tools
3. ALF91, re: Dehumanizing Language and the Holocaust

I am performing a "definitive" analysis of the meanings of
subordinating conjunctions and would be interested in linking up with
anyone who has focused on their representation in NLP systems. I am
performing an analysis of subordinating conjunction definitions in
Webster's 3rd International Dictionary, modeling these definitions
using the theory of labeled directed graphs (digraphs), using
principles for identifying primitives I have previously described (see
Litkowski, K. C. (1988). On the search for semantic
primitives. Computational Linguistics, 14(1), 52 for an overview).

The "meaning" of subordinating conjunctions essentially consists of
labeling clauses and establishing discourse relationships of time,
contingency, place, condition, concession, contrast, reason, purpose,
and result (see Quirk et al. pp. 1070-1112). I am aware that
subordinating conjunctions are used as cue words in discourse
processing, but I am not aware of any systematic bringing together of
these "meanings" in a computational system. Characterizing these
meanings is important in the digraph analysis, and while I can do it
myself, it would be preferable not to reinvent the wheel. I would be
grateful if anyone can point to computational representations of these
meanings.

A database of these "meanings" will eventually be made publicly
available on the web for anyone to use.

Thanks,

- 
Ken Litkowski TEL.: 301-926-5904
CL Research EMAIL: kenclres.com
20239 Lea Pond Place
Gaithersburg, MD 20879-1270 USA Home Page: http://www.clres.com

I am looking for freely available English to Japanese dictionaries
which I may use for developing NLP tools. Searching the web, I only
found dictionaries for looking up words on-line.

Please give me pointers to the above kind of dictionaries.

Thanking in advance,
Iram

Dear Friends,

I apologize for taking so long to thank the many people who suggested
titles for my thesis on looking at the dehumanizing language used
during the Holocaust (and possibly making a connection to modern
times, but I'm not sure yet). The response was overwhelming and
several good titles were suggested. Not knowing this forum, I was
intimidated at first, but everyone helped me feel quite at ease. Thank
you!

Unfortunately, my email system recently crashed, and I lost all saved
responses, so I cannot thank individuals. I would like to share some
titles with all of you, and if you were someone who helped me before,
or if you just joined and know of other sources I might try, I would
appreciate further contact. The overwhelming title was Victor
Klemperer's book Lingua Tetii Imperii, which I am still trying to
locate in English translation. So far, no luck. If anyone might be
able to locate one, please let me know.

Other titles included Handke's play _Kaspar_, Irving Allen's work in
_Unkind Words_ and _The Language of Ethnic Conflict_, _Julius
Streicher_ (suggested by the author himself), and several Holocaust
history texts like Dawidowicz's _The War Against the Jews_. I have
gathered some of my sources and will begin "diving in" this September.

Again, thank you to the list and all who helped me. If you do have
other suggested sources or know of Klemperer's book in English, please
contact me still.

Kelly Alfrey (alf91aol.com)
Ball State University, Muncie, IN