This first part of a four-part report of research on the development of a computerized, phrase-structure grammar of modern Hebrew presents evidence to demonstrate the need for material to train teachers of Semitic languagues in the theory of grammar. It then provides a discussion of the research already done on the application of computational grammars to artificial and natural languages. Research procedures are discussed. Following a section on computational grammars, there is discussion of grammar theories and of several grammars which might be suitable for generating and analyzing Hebrew sentences. The general requirements of complex-constituent-phrase structure grammar are outlined and methods for applying it to Semitic languages are discussed. A list of references is provided. For related reports see FL 002 628, FL 002629, and FL 002 630. (VM)