Hi Nick
Yes it could be class as a little odd, and it’s based on A.L.I.C.E which you can read all about in the link below,
<AL> generic language processes, can be used in a host of ways, if the person, behind creating, the response library, knows thing or two about how language works, and it can be a really good way of installing, specific learning strategies, with in the right context.
Keep well,
Jay
http://www.alicebot.org/aiml.html