A method and apparatus for natural language interpretation are described. The invention includes a schema and apparatus for storing, in digital, analog, or other machine-readable format, a network of propositions formed of a plurality of text and/or non-text objects, and the steps of retrieving a string of input text, and locating all associated propositions in the network for each word in the input string. Embodiments of the invention also include optimization steps for locating said propositions, and specialized structures for storing them in a ready access storage area simulating human short-term memory. The schema and steps may also include structures and processes for obtaining and adjusting the weights of said propositions to determine posterior probabilities representing the intended meaning. Embodiments of the invention also include an apparatus designed to apply an automated interpretation algorithm to automated voice response systems and portable knowledge appliance devices.