A comparative evaluation of collocation extraction techniques

Abstract

This paper describes an experiment that attempts to compare a range of existing collocation extraction techniques as well as the implementation of a new technique based on tests for lexical substitutability. After a description of the experiment details, the techniques are discussed with particular emphasis on any adaptations that are required in order to evaluate it in the way proposed. This is followed by a discussion on the relative strengths and weaknesses of the techniques with reference to the results obtained. Since there is no general agreement on the exact nature of collocation, evaluating techniques with reference to any single standard is somewhat controversial. Departing from this point, part of the concluding discussion includes initial proposals for a common framework for evaluation of collocation extraction techniques.