Soft Constraints at Interfaces
Nick Pendar
Abstract
Assuming that grammar is best modeled as a set of modules each
representing a constraint system, like other human cognitive
faculties, these constraint systems are bound to disagree and soft
constraints are needed for conflict resolution among modules. This
paper outlines an approach to incorporate soft constraints among
grammar modules. The paper first goes over the issue of modularity and
conflicting requirements. It then summarizes a generalized theory of
soft constraint satisfaction (SCSP). Finally, it outlines a linguistic
constraint system based on SCSP theory. It then shows how the type
antecedent constraints of HPSG can be extended in an SCSP-based
framework to allow for constraint violations and gradient constraints.
Proceedings of GEAF07; CSLI Publications On-line
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