\title{Abstract Machine for Typed Feature Structures}
\author{Shuly Wintner \and Nissim Francez}
\maketitle

\begin{abstract}
This paper describes a first step towards the definition of an
abstract machine for linguistic formalisms that are based on typed
feature structures, such as HPSG.  The core design of the abstract
machine is given in detail, including the compilation process from a
high-level specification language to the abstract machine language and
the implementation of the abstract instructions.  We thus apply
methods that were proved useful in computer science to the study of
natural languages: a grammar specified using the formalism is endowed
with an operational semantics.  Currently, our machine supports the
unification of simple feature structures, unification of sequences of
such structures, cyclic structures and disjunction.
\end{abstract}