A Study of Computational Semantics in the Interpretation of Poems

Abstract

This study justifies the need for the application of computational semantics in the interpretation of poems. Computational semantics is a discipline of natural language expressions of how to model, represent, and reason with them. Computational semantics is a cross-disciplinary study that draws on linguistics, logic, computer science, and artificial intelligence. However, for the purpose of this study, this study concern will be limited to the use of WordNet in the interpretation of poems. WordNet is a Semantic tool that uses a large database of English, where nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs are grouped into sets of cognitive synonyms (synsets), each expressing a distinct concept. Synsets are interlinked by means of conceptual semantics and lexical relations, which results in network of meaningfully related words and concepts that can be navigated with the browser. Consequently, this tool is used in the analysis and interpretation of the poems; “Crossing the Bar”, by Alfred Lord Tennyson and “The Pulley” by George Herbert. Both poems are metaphysical in nature, and metaphysical poems are known for their intriguing cognitive dimensions which usually poses interpretative challenge to an average reader. Basically because, metaphysical poems are characterized by metaphysical wits and conceits. Subsequently, this study is anchored on the E-Learning Theory, which emphasizes how technologies can be used and designed to create new learning opportunities and to promote effective learning. Finally, the study discovers that the application of WordNet in the interpretation of these poems enhanced a better understanding of the poems because the tool (WordNet), simplified the mystical undertone associated with the poems.