Automated Language Processing

Abstract

During the years 1971 and 1972, there has been a remarkable amount of activity and interest in automated language processing–so much so, that it is difficult to know precisely where to begin in order to convey the implications of this observation to the reader. The time has been one of substantive development, critical appraisal, and retrospective evaluation. The major development area involves work on question-answering systems, now coming to be called “computer understanding.” The change in terminology indicates an enrichment and elaboration of the components of such systems. However, the resulting complexity raises serious questions about the possibility of near term applicability. Both points will be considered further in the course of the review.