• KIPS Transactions on Software and Data Engineering
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.29-34
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• 2016

One of the most important aspects of the research on multi-agent systems is the definition of agent communication languages(ACLs) and the specification of a proper formal semantics of ACLs. In this paper, we propose an illocutionary effect-based FIPA-ACL semantics which overcomes the two traditional semantic approaches. The key idea of this new semantics is based on the semantic concepts of success and satisfaction conditions of illocutionary acts in speech act theory, and the common ground theory-based framework. As case studies using this new semantics, we define the primitive speech acts of FIPA-ACL such as inform and request. For the strengths of the proposed approach we illustrate our new semantics on an e-commerce agent purchase negotiation. Also, we compare this approach with two traditional semantic approaches for ACLs.

• Language and Information
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• v.1
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• pp.181-225
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• 1997

The semantic and pragmatic effect of inerrogative illocutionary operator is analyzed in a dynamic setting in the framework of structured meaning representation with respect to the dialogue participants' shared common ground. I propose a framework for an optinal interpretation of focus phrases in terrogatives share the essential properties of focus in general, namely that they introduce alternatives to be taken advantage of by relevant focus-sensitive operators. The theory makes an interesting prediction on the distribution and interpretation of double questions in which one question gets modified by another. A further extention of the theory is spelled out to account for other non-assertional illocutionary operators like imperatives and their foci.