MultiNet

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Multilayered extended semantic networks (abbreviated MultiNets) are both a knowledge representation paradigm and a language for meaning representation of natural language expressions. They have been developed by Hermann Helbig on the basis of earlier Semantic Networks. MultiNet is one of the most comprehensive and thoroughly described knowledge representation systems. It specifies conceptual structures by means of about 140 predefined relations and functions, which are systematically characterized and underpinned by a formal axiomatic apparatus. Apart from their relational connections, the concepts are embedded in a multidimensional space of layer attributes and their values. Another characteristic of MultiNet discerning it from simple semantic networks is the possibility to encapsulate whole partial networks and represent the resulting conceptual capsule as a node of higher order, which itself can be an argument of relations and functions. MultiNet has been used in practical NLP applications such as natural language interfaces to the Internet or question answering systems over large semantically annoted corpora with millions of sentences.

MultiNet is connected with a whole set of software tools and has been used as backbone to build large semantically based computational lexica (such as HaGenLex). It is supported by a semantic interpreter WOCADI translating natural language expressions (phrases, sentences, texts) into formal MultiNet expressions, a workbench MWR+ for the knowledge engineer (comprising modules for automatic knowledge acquisition and reasoning), and a workbench LIA+ for the computer lexicographer supporting the creation of large semantically based computational lexica.