parameterrammer

Parameterrammer is a theoretical and practical framework for creating and manipulating parameterized grammars. It enables the definition of linguistic or structural rules that include slots for values called parameters. Each parameter has a defined domain of possible values and constraints that ensure coherent outputs. In a parameterrammer, a grammar rule is annotated with parameter references; generation proceeds by selecting parameter values that satisfy constraints, then substituting these values into the rule to produce strings. This approach combines grammar formalism with template-based generation, providing both linguistic structure and controllable variation.

Key components include parameter variables, their domains, constraints that relate parameters, an evaluation or generation process, and a lexicon or feature mappings to realize morpho-syntactic agreement. The system may also support default values, optional parameters, and conflict resolution strategies to handle incompatible choices.

Example: a simple sentence grammar with parameters Tense ∈ {present, past} and Number ∈ {sing, pl}. A rule S -> NP VP uses NP -> Det N with N ∈ {cat, dogs} and V chosen by tense and number so that present singular yields “the cat chases,” past plural yields “the dogs chased,” and so on. The parameterrammer coordinates parameter assignment with rule applications to maintain grammaticality and agreement.

Applications include controlled natural language generation, enhanced template systems with grammaticality guarantees, domain-specific or adaptive language generation, and research into feature-based grammar formalisms. Limitations involve increased complexity, stricter tooling requirements, and the need for well-defined semantics to prevent inconsistent outputs. See also grammar formalisms, feature structures, and template languages.