English semantics for generation with KPML:
PROCESS TYPES

An introductory guide by Juan Rafael Zamorano Mansilla
May 2003

This is a structure showing the process types in KPML. In particular, it is the classification defined by the 'Merged Upper Model', which is the semantic organisation used by most KPML-compatible grammars at this time. The classification is based on systemic-functional theories, so it would be a good idea to become familiar with this approach to language in the first place.

In bold you can find the most common process types and the participants (in brackets and blue) that are inherent to them. There is also an example illustrating the process type (in red), which is what the Nigel grammar of English would produce given the semantic category illustrated..

In general terms, it is better to be as precise as you can about the process type you want to generate. That is why you should always try to use the processes that are further to the right. If you simply write RELATIONAL-PROCESS in your SPL, for example, and try to generate using the Nigel grammar, then KPML will ask you what type of relational process you mean, interrupting the process of generation.

1.1. ONE-PLACE-RELATION

1.1.1. EXISTENCE (:domain) There is a book on the table.

1.2. TWO-PLACE-RELATION

1.2.1. GENERALIZED-POSSESSION  (:domain, :range) I've got two brothers.

1.2.2. CIRCUMSTANTIAL  (:domain, :range) The stone weighs eight kilos.

1.2.3. INTENSIVE

1.2.3.1. ASCRIPTION

1.2.3.1.1. PROPERTY-ASCRIPTION  (:domain, :range) My tailor is rich.

1.2.3.1.2. CLASS-ASCRIPTION  (:domain, :range) My father is a teacher.

1.2.3.1.3. QUANTITY-ASCRIPTION

1.2.3.2. UM-IDENTITY

1.2.3.3. SYMBOLIZATION

2.1. MENTAL-ACTIVE

2.2. MENTAL-INACTIVE

2.2.1. COGNITION  (:senser, :phenomenon) I know the answer.

2.2.1.1. BELIEVE

2.2.1.2. KNOW

2.2.1.3. THINK

2.2.2. REACTION (:senser, :phenomenon) I don't like tea.

2.2.2.1. LIKING

2.2.2.2. STRIVING

2.2.2.3. WANTING

2.2.2.4. DISLIKING

2.2.2.5. FEARING

2.2.3. PERCEPTION (:senser, :phenomenon) Nobody saw the accident.

3.1. ADDRESSEE-ORIENTED-VERBAL-PROCESS (:sayer, :saying, :recipient) I told her the news.

3.2. NON-ADDRESSEE-ORIENTED-VERBAL-PROCESS (:sayer, :saying) I didn't say that.

4.1. DIRECTED-ACTION

4.1.1. CREATIVE-MATERIAL-ACTION  (:actor, :actee, {:beneficiary}) My brother has written a book.

4.1.2. DISPOSITIVE-MATERIAL-ACTION  (:actor, :actee, {:beneficiary}) We have changed the first chapter.

4.2. NONDIRECTED-ACTION (:actor ) He died.

4.2.1. AMBIENT-PROCESS (usually no participant involved) It's raining.

KPML>Documentation>Input specifications>SPL>processes