Computers and the Humanities

, Volume 25, Issue 1, pp 1–14 | Cite as

Anatomy of a new medium: Literary and pedagogic uses of advanced linguistic computer structures

  • Janet H. Murray
Article

Abstract

The availability of advanced function workstations makes possible a new medium for the manipulation of language which changes in kind as well as in degree the pedagogic and literary potential of the computer. This article presents a structural/functional analysis of the kind of system that, though still unrealized, is becominig increasingly possible to build: an Advanced Language System that includes natural language processing, knowledge representation, discourse structure, and narrative structure. Communicative language learning and the creation of computer-based fiction are both served by the emergence of this medium. Advanced language systems may include: “ako” links, semantic networks, query, “script,” “analogy,” and character/belief structures. For language learning advanced language systems offer greater error correction and research opportunities and more flexibility in presenting communicative and cultural exercises. For the creation of art, they offer the possibility of creating “round” instead of “flat” characters and “dynamic” rather than static plots. Programs which “learn” offer the possibility of creating literary formulae and even interpretive “traditions” on the computer. Literary invention will always be the key to making such systems effective as art or as aids to communicative learning.

Key Words

Advanced Language System natural language processing knowledge representation discourse structure narrative structure computer-based fiction communicative language learning 
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Copyright information

© Kluwer Academic Publishers 1991

Authors and Affiliations

  • Janet H. Murray
    • 1
  1. 1.Senior Research Scientist, Department of HumanitiesMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge

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