Inference and the Computer Understanding of Natural Language

The notion of computer understanding of natural langu~e is examined relative to inference mechanisms designed to function in a language-free deep conceptual base ( Couceptual Dependent) . The concepeual analysis of a natural language sentence into tiffs conceptual base, and the nature o f the memory which stores and operates upon these conceptual structures are described from both theoretL~.al and practical standpoints. The vario~ t~:l~es o f inferences which can be made during and after the conceptual analysis o f a sentence m? defined, and a functioning pragram which performs these inference tasks is described. Actual computer output is included.