Beschreibung:
<jats:p>This paper proposes a robust approach to parsing suitable for Information Extraction (IE)
from texts using finite-state cascades. The approach is characterized by the construction of
an approximation of the full parse tree that captures all the information relevant for IE
purposes, leaving the other relations underspecified. Sequences of cascades of finite-state rules
deterministically analyze the text, building unambiguous structures. Initially basic chunks are
analyzed; then clauses are recognized and nested; finally modifier attachment is performed
and the global parse tree is built. The parsing approach allows robust, effective and efficient
analysis of real world texts. The grammar organization simplifies changes, insertion of new
rules and integration of domain-oriented rules. The approach has been tested for Italian,
English, and Russian. A parser based on such an approach has been implemented as part of
<jats:italic>Pinocchio</jats:italic>, an environment for developing and running IE applications.</jats:p>