Resolving relative time expressions in Dutch text with Constraint Handling Rules

It is demonstrated how Constraint Handling Rules can be applied for resolution of indirect and relative time expressions in text as part of a shallow analysis, following a specialized tagging phase. A method is currently under development, optimized for a particular corpus of historical biographies related to the development of the Dutch social movement between 1870 and 1940. It appears that CHR provides a modular language which is well-suited for tailoring a method optimized for the different linguistic constructs and the textual conventions applied in a specific corpus. We explain the principles and illustrate by sample rules. The project is currently in a phase of development and testing, and this paper focuses on the methodological issues, while a detailed evaluation is not relevant at present. Identified problems and possible extensions are discussed.