Ontology of Communication: Agent-Based Data-Driven or Sign-Based Substitution-Driven?

Database Semantics (DBS) is an agent-based data-driven theory of natural language communication, comparing agent-based data-driven vs. sign-based substitution-driven approaches. It discusses computational pragmatics, inference, cognition, grammatical disambiguation, and more, primarily addressed to computational linguistics experts and enthusiasts.

Format: Hardback
Length: 258 pages
Publication date: 04 January 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

The book delves into a comprehensive exploration of Database Semantics (DBS), a groundbreaking agent-based data-driven theory that sheds light on the fundamental mechanisms of natural language communication. Within the realm of language communication, agents engage in a dynamic interplay between two modes: speak mode, driven by cognitive internal content (input), which yields cognition-external raw data, such as sound waves or pixels, devoid of inherent meaning or grammatical properties. On the other hand, hear mode is propelled by the raw data produced by the speaker, leading to cognitive internal content. The primary motivation behind this exploration is to compare and contrast two distinct approaches to constructing an ontology of communication: agent-based data-driven versus sign-based substitution-driven.

A gent-based approach entails the design of cognitive agents equipped with an interface component responsible for converting raw data into cognitive content (recognition) and converting cognitive content into raw data (action). These agents also possess an on-board, content-addressable memory (database) to store and retrieve information. Importantly, the speak and hear modes are treated separately within this framework.

Data-driven approach involves mapping cognitive content as input to the speak-mode into a language-dependent surface as output. Similarly, mapping a surface as input to the hear-mode into a cognitive content as output. In contrast, sign-based means eschew any distinction between speak and hear mode, while substitution-driven entails utilizing a single start symbol as input to generate an infinite range of outputs through substitutions governed by rewrite rules.

By compiling the latest research conducted by the author, this captivating exposition commences with an introduction to DBS, taking a linguistic detour to discuss subject/predicate gapping and slot-filler repetition. It then proceeds to delve into computational pragmatics, inference and cognition, grammatical disambiguation, and other related topics. The book offers a rich and nuanced perspective on the complexities of natural language communication, providing valuable insights for scholars and researchers in the field.

Weight: 582g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031227387
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023