Database Applications Semantics

Major advances in data semantics are needed to keep pace with the generalized forms of data now becoming widely available on the information superhighway. We begin by describing a system that treats character string data as genuine text in a natural language, and adds the level of semantic understanding provided by thematic analysis. Extensions of conventional database type systems and query paradigms are needed for handling text and document and multimedia information, and are discussed especially in relation to SQL. Finally, seeking a theoretical foundation of sufficient breadth for future work in data semantics, we explore the semiotics of the philosopher Charles S. Peirce.