`Teaching the computer to understand´

An experimental expert system has been developed which allows the user to define the establish some of the characteristics of a natural language interface. Learning takes place through the giving of examples from which generalisations are produced specifying valid formats for subsequent dialogue at the interface. In this way the user is able to access the full range of computer facilities available while using a form of language of his/her own choice. The knowledge base can also accept assertions made by the user, so that flexibility is attained using the various possible combinations of facts, responses, rules, and commands. Considerable effort has been devoted to achieve an easy to use and well supported system for the benefit of the non-technical user