An Implementation of Filler-Gap Constructions Using the Tree-Adjoining Grammar Formalism

Abstract

The objective of this thesis is to evaluate a formal Construction Grammar approach to modeling filler-gap structures in comparison to the standard wh-movement procedure. Although develop- ing formalisms for theories of grammar has been a primary focus of the field of Computational Linguistics in recent years, theories such as Construction Grammar which defy basic Chomskyan principles of Universal Grammar are comparatively under-studied. Filler-gap sentences have been previously identified as an area of syntax on which Construction Grammar may perform well, and which creates several problems for the standard approach of wh-movement. Therefore, this paper will develop an implementation of the basic principles of Construction Grammar using the popular Tree-Adjoining Grammar formalism. Using this implementation, it will define four major types of filler-gap constructions and evaluate how successful these constructions are in avoiding ungram- matical forms produced by wh-movement. Ultimately, it is determined that the Construction Gram- mar approach does indeed alleviate the issues of generalization and over-generation found in some sentences formed via wh-movement. However, several corresponding limitations to the Construc- tion Grammar approach are also identified, including under-generation and unwieldy specificity. Since not enough information exists outside of this small case study to support the value of Con- struction Grammar in comparison to more widely accepted theories, this paper instead concludes that the formal Construction Grammar approach at least merits further study, particularly through practical experimentation.