Cooperative Query Answering with GeneralizedQuantifiers

Abstract

The use of Generalized Quantifiers in query languages was introduced independently in (Hsu and Parker, 1995s Gyssens et al., 1995). In both cases it is argued that GQs make query languages more able to handle complex queries in a declarative way and provide a syntax more similar to natural language. In this paper we argue that query languages with Generalized Quantifiers can be used to produce cooperative question answering (Gaasterland et al., 1992). We introduce the Query Language with Generalized Quantifiers QLGQ and review related work in cooperative query answering, focusing on research that has direct connections with the results of this paper. Then we show how to use Generalized Quantifiers in dealing with false presuppositions, constructing justifications, and query relaxation. For each technique, we give examples that suggest that Generalized Quantifiers are better suited to the application of the technique than traditional approaches.