This paper compares the semantic interpretation of logical, programming, and natural languages. It shows that they are based on different ontologies, and investigates the relation between the ontology assumed and the analysis of empirical phenomena such as truth, the Epimenides paradox, propositional attitudes, and vagueness. Furthermore, it shows that there is a basic difference between a meta...

In this paper, I present Underspecified Minimal Recursion Semantics (UMRS), a representation language that represents structural ambiguities in terms of underspecifica-tion. It is argued that this kind of approach allows for transparent semantic representations and a straightforward syntax-semantics interface. UMRS is a semantic metalanguage, whose expressions describe expressions of an object ...

Abstract This paper explores ways in which applied semantics (coming out of Natural Semantic Metalanguage approach) can inform effective communicative strategies for action on climate change. After framing discussion, it presents three case studies, are intentionally disparate nature: contrastive the expressions ‘climate crisis’, emergency’, and catastrophe’; a semantically-enhanced examination...

It is difficult to find resources on the Semantic Web today, in particular if one wants to search for resources based on natural language keywords and across multiple datasets. In this paper, we present LOTUS: Linked Open Text UnleaShed, a full-text lookup index over a huge Linked Open Data collection. We detail LOTUS’ approach, its implementation, its coverage, and demonstrate the ease with wh...

In their criticisms of traditional theories politeness, Watts et al. (2005 [1992]) and Eelen (2001) call for first-order approaches to (im)politeness. While ‘discursive approach’ has faced its own criticisms, one useful strand which emerged from this research is a focus on how (im)politeness evaluated discussed. However, compared other (im)politeness, such language received little attention. St...

The Bible Translator’s Assistant (TBTA) is a natural language generator (NLG) designed specifically for field linguists doing translation work in minority languages. In particular, TBTA is intended to generate drafts of the narrative portions of the Bible as well as numerous community development articles in a very wide range of languages. TBTA uses the rich interlingua approach. The semantic r...

Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) is the latest advancement in the treatment of breast cancer, which permits complete preservation of the nipple-areola complex (NAC). Recent studies suggest similar recurrence rates with NSM compared with traditional mastectomy techniques.1–6 Moreover, NSM has been demonstrated in multiple studies to be a safe and effective procedure from a reconstructive perspect...

I would like to begin by briefly reviewing the assumptions and hypotheses the NSM approach is predicated on. The goal of this exercise is to understand how these are interrelated, what hinges on every one of them, and what consequences arise from discarding an assumption or disproving a hypothesis. This process defines a number of projects which all agree up to some point and then depart. Prima...