In Chapter II we pointed out that the conceptual base is not part of the language system; rather, it is a part of our memory, consisting of abstract elements and relations among elements used for conceptualizing. In other words, the conceptual base is the storehouse of raw materials used to build conceptualizations or meanings. Exactly how these raw materials should be construed is problematical. Since they are abstractions, they should probably be construed according to the particular context in which they are to be used. Thus, for the present model, we can simply assert their existence and let it go at that.
However, other investigators are attempting to produce computer programs that will simulate a variety of human languaging and conceptualizing tasks. In such cases, it is necessary that the abstract constructs of conceptual base elements be given explicit formulation-otherwise the computer will not perform. One attempt to explicitly describe the conceptual base elements for computer simulation of languaging and conceptualizing processes will be reviewed briefly to lend substance to what is, in fact, a very abstract concept. It is important to remember that, although we must use language to describe them, the conceptual base elements are not part of the language system.
The research to be touched .upon here is that of Schank (1972, 1973). Other approaches to very similar problems can be found in Anderson and Bower (1973, particularly in their chapter on the structure of knowledge); Rumelhart, Lindsay, and Norman (1972); and Lindsay and Norman (1972, pp.386-401). All of these approaches have been influenced by Fillmore's (1968) work on case grammars.
Schank divides the elements of the conceptual base into four types: (a) picture producers-those ideas and thoughts that are represented in spoken language by nouns; (b) basic acts-relations that are represented in spoken language by verbs; (c) picture aiders; and (d) action aiders. Both picture and action aiders are realized in spoken language by various modifiers. The elements (in Schank's view) of the conceptual base can thus be categorized as nominals (thing elements), actions (act elements), and modifiers (attribute elements).