[Lexicog] DDE: Dictionary Database Editor (was: dictionary software)

[Wayne Leman]

> I have now posted a web page with information about the Dictionary
Database
> Editor software that I wrote and that we used to produce the Kwéyòl
> Dictionary (copyright 2001, SIL). You can check out the following link if
> you are interested in the design of software for compiling dictionaries:
> http://linguafranka.net/saintluciancreole/dictionarysoftware.htm. Note
that
> I am not putting this program forth as something that others could use for
> languages other than St. Lucian Creole.

David, I just inputted some Cheyenne to DDE and find that the program
handles the Cheyenne data quite acceptably. I like the fact that you have
all the fields on screen at once, with the program "guiding" input.

The output would be very acceptable for our Cheyenne data.

Is there any Sort function, for either the vernacular language lexemes or
the national language glosses?

> I am just showing this to stimulate
> thinking and discussion on dictionary software design.

Good. And I'm just wanting to mention that your program can be used for
other languages. It does not have as many options as one has with Shoebox,
LinguaLinks, Toolbox, or TshwaneLex, but it works well, and allows one
to get started easily, without having to refer to a manual or get help from
a software consultant.

While still on the topic of simple (but not necessarily simplistic)
lexicography software, such as your DDE, I should mention that the Freelang
program is even simpler. It comes from some European programmers that enjoy
lexicography. There is a link to the Freelang website on the Lexicog. List
website, under Links/Software.

> I believe that
> ideally, from a user's point of view, a dictionary program should be
> intuitive

I totally agree, as you probably already know, and as I stated in my earlier
message on this list today.

Wayne
-----
Wayne Leman
Cheyenne website: http://www.geocities.com/cheyenne_language

> and should constrain the choices to only what might be suitable
> for the purpose at hand. In other words, there are disadvantages to a
> program being too powerful. This program is not perfect but it has proven
> simple enough for a mother-tongue speaker with a limited education to use.
>
> I have now also put a link to this web page on the Yahoo lexicography list
> web site, under Software under Links.
>
> Note to Hayim Sheynin: I believe the Multi Dictionary Formatter (MDF) is
> used for outputting a formatted dictionary for publication, but it depends
> on a separate program like Shoebox or Toolbox for data entry and editing.
>
> -- David Frank




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