Everyday-Language Computing Project Overview

This paper explains an overview of everyday language computing (ELC) promoted by the Laboratory for Language-Based Intelligent Systems, Brain Science Institute, RIKEN from 2000 to 2005. The objective of ELC was to develop a language-based intelligent system. To do this, we constructed a computational model of language in context, called the Semiotic Base, and developed computational algorithms for text understanding and generation, which are basic information processing in the ELC framework. Based on these resources and algorithms, we constructed a computing environment in which language is used as an information medium to process information. To demonstrate its feasibility, we developed language-based applications such as a language-based wordprocessor, language-based programming, and “smart” help. We explain the basic principles of ELC, outline of its basic technologies, and discuss applications developed based on the ELC framework.