Styles in Computer-based Modelling of Style
Alexander Mehler
Universität Bielefeld
Universitätsstraße 25
D-33615 Bielefeld
Alexander.Mehler@uni-bielefeld.de
Abstract
From the point of view of computer-based modelling style can be seen from two perspectives: as an object of modelling and as a characteristic of the modelling process on its part. This bilateral perspective is typical for computational semiotics that is for the scientific approach to sign theoretical underpinnings of computer-based modelling:
On the one hand, we have to distinguish approaches which utilize sign-theoretical models of style to analyze computer systems as well as to distinguish paradigms and methods of computer-based modelling.
On the other hand, computer-based analyses of style have to be understood as approaching style in its own rights. That is models of automatic classification, segmentation and networking of sign systems can be reviewed with respect to their modelling function.
This paper outlines a framework which distinguishes both approaches. Starting from information structuring as applied in text technology it makes transparent both perspectives regarding the same object and method, i.e. conceptual and algorithmic models of style. This allows raising the question for limits of modelling style which is approached from the point of view of quantitative linguistics.