We consider the basic structure of the NP to fall into two components:
a nucleus, which performs the nominal function of the NP, and
optional satelites, where additional information can be
placed.
The nucleus of the NP consists of all slots before the head,
and the defining post-modifying slots (e.g., defining relative
clauses, or prepositional phrases). The satelite elements are
typically realised by indefinite NPs, or non-defining relative clauses
(or complexes of such), e.g., [Nuc: this brooch], [Sat: designed by Jessie M.
King], or [Nuc: King], [Sat: a Scottish designer].
In our model, all referring is performed by the nucleus - the satelite(s) are non-defining, i.e., perform only an informing role. However, as will be discussed below, the nucleus can also contain non-referring information.