|
|
|
Although the representation of time has attracted much attention in both natural language semantics and studies of the interaction between language and reasoning, the representation of space has been investigated less frequently. Two fruitful domains of research are the metaphorical role of spatial expressions and the ambiguity of prepositions. However, neither of these research programs has focused on developing representations of spatial relationships that can form a bridge to reasoning tasks. One potential factor is the complexity of the problem:
Time is one-dimensional with a linear structure; the qualitative relations between times can be mapped quite naturally to the linear expressions of language. Space, however, is multi-dimensional, and the mapping between qualitative relations in space and the expressions of language is far from trivial. To compound the problem, spatial relations may be relative or anchored in a fixed coordinate system. No matter how difficult to model, however, spatial information is crucial for navigating both daily life and scientific reasoning. On March 7, 2009, this workshop will attempt to make a contribution to the understanding of the way spatial expressions in natural language can be used in reasoning and to the development of representations that make this link to reasoning possible. The workshop brings together specialists in spatial logics, natural language semantics, computation, and psychology. This event is sponsored by the Theodore and Francis Geballe Workshop on Cognition and Language and will be hosted by the Center for the Study of Language and Information. For updates on the conference, as well as general information regarding the Cognition and Language workshop, please sign up for our mailing list here. |