Issues in word choice

FIG, a generator which incorporates novel solutions to many of these issues, leads to 4 principles for generator design, as follows:Have an explicit representation of the status of the generation process at each point in time.

Abstract

This paper discusses word choice for natural language generation. It examines 11 issues, the solutions that have been proposed for them, and their implications for design. The issues are:How are appropriate words chosen?How is conciseness ensured?When does choice stop?How are patterns of lexicalization respected?How are interactions among choices handrled?How are the correct parts of speech chosen?How are words chosen to satisfy constituency?What ensures that a word stands in the correct relation to its neighbors?How is word order determined?Are all words chosen in the same way?In what order are the factors considered?This paper also discusses FIG, a generator which incorporates novel solutions to many of these issues. FIG violates common assumptions about the roles of modularity and grammar in generator design. Analysis of FIG leads to 4 principles for generator design, as follows:Have an explicit representation of the status of the generation process at each point in time.Use a single, unified representation.Do not rely on the details of the structure of the input.Treat most choices as emergent.