Construction of NP

The steps of building the NP are as follows:

Build Nucleus: Since we wish to choose a referring expression which opportunistically serves some of the informing function, we will build the nucleus on the basis of i) the referential context, and ii) the agenda of things to say:

1. Location of Assimilated Agenda: the facts on the agenda need not all be new information (unassimilated) - the text-planner may place previously given information on the agenda, perhaps for some pragmatic reason, e.g., to ensure that the addressee is aware of some fact at this point of the discourse.

   Assimilated facts on the agenda play an important role in our algorithm, since we will use them preferentially for referring.

2. Choose Referential form: we need to choose between refer-by-name, refer-by-pronoun and refer-by-type, on basis the referential context. Where the referential context allows more than one choice, we refer to the assimilated-agenda to help. For instance, if a Name fact is the agenda (and assimilated), we might favour refer-by-name, if Gender is the sole fact on the agenda, pronominal might be favoured. With several (assimilated or unassimilated) facts on the agenda, a common-group is preferred since it offers more opportunities for inclusion of facts (although proper-np expression also supports non-referring post-modification).
3. Choose Head Noun: for common noun-phrases, the head noun will be chosen from the most specific assimilated isa fact about the object. However, an assimilated isa fact on the agenda is allowed to override the default.
4. Choose Determiner: for common noun-phrases, the determiner will be chosen on the basis of the objects focal status (e.g., this if focal, the otherwise). If a fact specifying the owner of the entity being expressed is on the agenda (and assimilated), then a genitive deictic will be used.
5. Choose Restrictive Modifiers: if the common-noun-phrase form was selected, then we need to determine which modifiers are to be included to produce a unique reference. For instance, if we have the Style fact of a jewel on the agenda, and it is assimilated, then that will be preferred as a restrictive modifier. See below for more detail.
6. Fill in Unused Slots: When we have a functioning referring form, then we can add information from the agenda into the unused slot, e.g., this book + enjoyable this enjoyable book. The system is provided with a list of fact-predicates which can be expressed in pre-modifier slots, e.g., in the Jewellery domain, Materials - this gold and enamel brooch, Fame - the famous designer called Jessie M. King.

Add Satelites: Any information which was not consumed in the nucleus can now be placed into non-defining satelites, e.g., [Nuc: Jessie M. King], [Sat: a Scottish designer].