Knowledge Identification and Metaphor

Roger Browse

Abstract

This paper deals with the organization of semantic properties of nouns and their use in the determination of case role acceptability. By only examining simple hierarchical inclusion properties, natural language systems have been unable to deal with metaphoric language use. The research outlined here is an investigation into the use of general methods for the determination of case fulfilment. These methods include a more flexible use of the hierarchical relationships represented in the system, and the methods also use the contents of other case-frames. These methods develop the degree of freedom necessary for the acceptance of metaphoric language. Other interesting properties of the system are described which also argue in favour of this approach to the organization of semantic knowledge.