From “Hand-Written” to Computationally Implemented HPSG Theories

The process of turning a “hand-written” HPSG theory into a working computational grammar requires complex considerations. Two leading platforms are available for implementing HPSG grammars: The LKB and TRALE. These platforms are based on different approaches, distinct in their underlying logics and implementation details. This paper adopts the perspective of a computational linguist whose goal is to implement an HPSG theory. It focuses on ten different dimensions, relevant to HPSG grammar implementation, and examines, compares, and evaluates the different means which the two approaches provide for implementing them. The paper concludes that the approaches occupy opposite positions on two axes: FAITHFULNESS to the “hand-written” theory and COMPUTATIONAL ACCESSIBILITY. The choice between them depends largely on the grammar writer’s preferences regarding those properties.