NUCLEAR PHYSICS B, vol.675, pp.122-138, 2003 (SCI-Expanded)
The general non-split scalar coset of supergravity theories is discussed. The symmetric space sigma model is studied in two equivalent formulations and for different coset parametrizations. The dualisation and the local first order formulation is performed for the non-split scalar coset G/K when the rigid symmetry group G is a real form of a non-compact semisimple Lie group (not necessarily split) and the local symmetry group K is G's maximal compact subgroup. A comparison with the scalar cosets arising in the T10-D-compactification of the heterotic string theory in ten dimensions is also mentioned. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.