Multi-Strategy Construction-Specific Parsing for Flexible Data Base Query and Update

Abstract

The advantages of a multi -strategy, construction -specific approach to parsing in appli ed natural language processing are explained through an examination of two pilot parsers we have constructed . Our approach exploits domain semantics and prior knowledge of expected constructions, using multiple parsing strategies each optimized to recognize different construction types. It is shown that a multi -strategy approach leads to robust , flexible . and efficient parsing of both grammatical and ungrammatical input in limited -domain , task -oriented. natural language interfaces. We also describe plans to construct a single, practical , multi -strategy parsing system that combines the best aspects of the two simpler parsers already implemented into a more complex. embedded-constituent control structure. Finally, we discuss some issues in data base access and update, and show that a construction -specific approach, coupled with a casestructured data base descr iption , offers a promising approach to a unified . interactive data base query and update system.