Towards a Core Vocabulary for a Natural Language System

The desire to construct robust and portable natural language systems has led to research on how a core vocabulary for such systems can be defined. Statistical methods and semantic criteria for doing this are discussed and compared. Currently it does not seem possible to precisely define the notion of core vocabulary, but it is argued that workable criteria can nevertheless be found. Finally it is emphasized that the implementation of a core vocabulary must be seen as a long-range research program rather than as a short-term goal.