WeSay currently helps people build a dictionary in their own language. It has various ways to help native speakers to think of words in their language and enter some basic data about them (no backslash codes, just forms to fill in). The program is extremely task oriented, giving the advisor the ability to turn on/off tasks as needed and as the user receives training for those tasks. Users are able to make local, simple printouts for local use, checking, and PR. The program makes it easy share the gathered words via USB flash drive or email.

The Paper

WeSay, A tool for engaging native-speakers in dictionary building

Screen Shots and Movies

See: Screenshots

Features

Basic

• Runs on Windows and Linux
• Easy to localize the user interface language
• Task oriented, simple interface
• Includes tools to help native speakers think of words to add to the dictionary
• very basic print-outs
• Hides the complexity of the files, folders, etc.

Scripts

• Supports multiple writing systems for a single language
• Supports complex non-Roman scripts using Graphite (via Multiscribe, windows only at this time)

Data Exchange

• Works well as a "satellite" data collector which can be synchronized with and adviser's "full strength" linguistic analysis/publishing software.
• Use e-mail or USB key to send data to advisor.

Customization

• The adviser determines which tools, view, and fields will be needed by the user. In this way, user interfaces kept as simple as possible for the task that a given user is working on. Over time, more pieces can be unveiled.
• The adviser can set up the "Actions" page to do things like e-mail recent work back to the adviser, with only a single click.

More info

Paper from International Conference on Austronesian Endangered Language Documentation

The revised and expanded WeSay, A tool for engaging native-speakers in dictionary building, due to be published in "Documenting and revitalizing Austronesian languages", D. Victoria Rau and Margaret Florey (eds.).

Up to date Roadmap