WordNet as a Base Lexicon Model for the Computation of Verbal Predicates
Raquel Amaro · 2006
Assuming that the lexicon is a complex and dynamic knowledge system, the lexicon model and the information that is stated in it become crucial for the computation of meaning. In this paper we discuss how the WordNet model can support a decompositional approach to troponymy, the enrichment of the lexical entries with Qualia information, and the establishment of a lexical inheritance device, without much additional work. More specifically, we intend to show how the choice of the model and its further enrichment is motivated by the reflex of the semantic content on the syntactic behaviour of the lexical items, namely through co-occurrence restrictions, and address issues on argument structure, Aktionsart shifts, co-troponym’s incompatibilities and shadow arguments’ realization. We present a level of inheritance structure in the semantic representation of the lexical items and propose a semantic representation for prepositional arguments, using the Generative Lexicon notation. We also address the ability of the WN model to be used as a semantic type hierarchy.