Let $G$ be a connected, reductive group which is quasisplit over a field $k$ of characteristic zero. Let $B$ be a Borel subgroup defined over $k$, containing a maximal torus $T$ defined over $k$. Let $\Delta$ be the base of $\Phi(G,T)$ corresponding to $B$, and let $\Gamma = \textrm{Gal}(\overline{k}/k)$. A $k$-*splitting* is a choice of isomorphisms of algebraic groups $X_{\alpha}: \mathbf G_{a,\overline{k}} \rightarrow U_{\alpha} : \alpha \in \Delta$, where $U_{\alpha}$ is the root subgroup of $U_{\overline{k}}$ corresponding to $\alpha$. We say that $\Gamma$ *preserves the splitting* if $\gamma.X_{\alpha} = X_{\gamma.\alpha}$. There exists a $k$-splitting preserved by $\Gamma$. In the paper *On the Definition of Transfer Factors* by Langlands and Shelstad, a method to choose canonical Weyl group representatives is given: [![enter image description here][1]][1] [1]: https://i.sstatic.net/4lqJ1.png One first chooses representatives for the simple reflections $\varpi(\alpha) : \alpha \in \Delta$, and then representatives for the other reflections by means of a reduced decomposition. I am unfamiliar with the way the authors are thinking of these things, and had a few questions. I would appreciate any explanation or references. 1 . If $H_{\alpha}: \mathbf G_{m,\overline{k}} \rightarrow T$ is the coroot attached to $\alpha$, how can $H_{\alpha}$ be regarded as an element of the Lie algebra $\mathfrak t$ of $T$? 2 . What is meant by $\textrm{exp } X_{\alpha}$? Does this have something to do with the tangent space map associated to $X_{\alpha}$? 3 . What is meant precisely by "the homomorphism $\textrm{SL}(2) \rightarrow G$ attached to the Lie triple $\{X_{\alpha},H_{\alpha}, X_{-\alpha}\}$? I assume this has something to do with a choice of an isogeny $\textrm{SL}_2 \rightarrow [Z_G((\textrm{Ker } \alpha)^0),Z_G((\textrm{Ker } \alpha)^0)]$.