What you always wanted to know about semantic transfer

Abstract

The transfer in Verbmobil is primarily semantic-based. To further move up the level of abstractness, it integrates a variety of interlingual elements that allow the generation of alternative translations. In this report, we present the treatment and implementation of translational phenomena on both levels. Concerning the conceptual mapping level, we focus on problems of lexical and structural abstraction by generalization and decomposition. With respect to the semantic mapping level, we give an insight into the treatment of a wide range of structural divergences. Another topic of this report is the resolution of translational ambiguities which is relevant on both mapping levels. A catalog of examples will provide an overview over the various types of contextual constraints used for disambiguation.