Re: Why is NLP such a hard topic?

>Can anyone explain me (or point me to information that does) why this is
>such a hard topic?
>Is the number of rules simply too big???
>Can syntax not be analyzed without semantics?
>Is some mystical "soul" required to process natural language????
>
>Thanks a lot
>
>Niki
>
====
It is improper to talk about grammar RULES.   Grammar is basically a
set of contemporary and ephemeral conventions that we agree on to
convey information.   If there were RULES we would always understand
each other and all meanings would be clear. If we insist on defining
grammar rules, the number will be uncountable.  I believe that the
most NLP can hope for is a self-learning machine that builds and
optimizes rules as it goes (maybe with human help). The context of
history, semantics, etc. will make it possible to make inferences
about what something means, but there will never be absolute certainty
about the meaning of any utterance. 

I saw her duck.  (with a very sharp saw)
How do you get down from an elephant?  (ducks have down, elephants
don't)
I saw the Grand Canyon flying to California.  (What if Grand Canyon
was Lindbergh's airplane instead of some kind of spirit?)
It depends on what the meaning of the word 'is' is. (Bill Clinton)

etc. etc. 

xyz