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What is WordLink?
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This public article was written by [Deactivated User], and last updated on 7 Jan 2019, 04:31.

[comments] [history] Menu 1. Introduction 2. The database 3. When to add new WordLinks 4. The link 5. WordLink database format This article is an introduction to the idea behind the WordLink database.

[top]Introduction

The main idea behind WordLink (often shortened to 'WL') is to link synonyms together in each language. Each definition for a word or concept is called a 'WordLink entry' or 'WordLink reference'.

The purpose of this is to maintain consistency across the dictionaries which makes finding information a lot easier. This means it is more accurate when finding matches for example, in LexiBuild.

This also means that when you link words, there is already some information provided on the definition which you do not need to provide again (such as further details on the particular meaning (to distinguish synonyms or homophones) or natural language translations.

[top]The database

The database of WordLink entries (accessible through the Tools section) is a list of all current entries ordered by first letter. The list will show you how many words are linked to earch entry.

From this page, you can also add new WordLinks. However, editing and deletion of WordLink entries are restricted to certain members. The reason for this is that these have the potential to edit the integrity of other members' dictionaries and should be changed carefully. If there is incorrect information or discrepancies, a member with this access should be contacted.


[top]When to add new WordLinks

New WordLinks can be added when there currently isn't a word, or variant of the same word already in the database. This means that you should try and search any synonyms first, and use those where possible.

New WordLinks should not be added when there is a British version of a word, but no American version (please see below about formatting). If found, the American English versions will be removed. (These are words like color/colour, organise/organize, etc).

Thirdly, it can be confusing and messy when trying to decide which WordLink to use for some smaller words (such as prepositions, particles, adverbs etc). For example, the word 'up' can fit into multiple parts of speech. Please do not add a new WordLink just because 'up' is a different part of speech in your language. The dictionary and the WordLink can have different parts of speech. The warning that shows is just something to let you know, in case it wasn't intentional. Otherwise, please ignore it.

Likewise, please do not add a duplicate WordLink because the existing one has a slightly different hint. Simply use the existing link and use your dictionary's Notes section (enabled under Dictionary Settings) to disambiguate. You can also use more specific word links instead of a generic word link with a specifying hint. Please stop adding words for 'water', 'person', 'love', and other words with lots of entries. Use more specific links like 'fresh water', 'human being,' 'love romantically,' etc. instead.

A decision was made that inflected forms of pronouns are not to be added. We have WordLinks already for the base pronouns, then you can use either the notes fields, or make use of grammar tables to show the inflectional morphology of these pronouns.

Please also do not add separate entries for transitive and intransitive versions of the same verb. Please use the same WordLink for both, but make a note in your dictionary entry, or add a different class in order to distinguish these.

[top]The link

When viewing either a word in a dictionary, or the WordLink entry itself, it will give a list of all the other synonyms in other languages, as well as any natural language translations provided.

When you enter a new word into your languages' dictionaries, these need to be linked to a WordLink entry. When you start typing the definition, a drop down will appear with options of existing WordLink entries that can be selected.

When words are mass imported, WordLinks are not automatically assigned to your inserted words as this would be too inaccurate to guess all of these without your input. There is however, a tool that helps you match these words to potential WordLinks already in existance.

[top]WordLink database format

As there are several standards of spelling in English, the WordLink database aims to remove this ambiguity and inconsistency, however within this one standard needs to be used in order to maintain this.

As a result, all entries should be entered using British spelling. This means:
  • honour should be used instead of honor
  • realised should be used instead of realized
  • centre should be used instead of center

And any other words that have similar differences between British and American spelling.

In addition to this, where possible entries should always:
  • use the infinitive form of the verb, without 'to'
  • use the singular nominative form for nouns
  • use the form be -ed for passive verbs
  • use lowercase for all words, except proper nouns
Comments
[link] [quote] [move] [edit] [del] 14-Aug-20 03:22 [Deactivated User]
Please note that nobody is informed when people leave questions on system articles. If you need help, use the forums.
[link] [quote] [move] [edit] [del] 07-Jun-20 18:01 [Deactivated User]
I accidentally added a plural form for nouns, and realized it after I submitted. Is there a way to remove this?
Edit history
on 07/01/19 04:31+542[Deactivated User]added note to plz stop adding basically-duplicate words
on 11/10/17 19:24-4[Deactivated User]wording change
on 30/04/16 04:47-5[Deactivated User]codefix
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