Lexical Tools

Technology Domain 1 training module Lexical-tools

Target competencyIs able to consult others in building and using lexicons.

Why it matters

This competency covers using current lexicography tools to create, fill, edit, and link lexical entries, and training others to use them.

Progression

Each rung is a level a learner is at; its activities are what carries them to the next one. How to read these levels

Lexicography Tools

1. 0No Competency

   Demonstrates basic knowledge of lexical tools.

   Carries a learner to 1 — Has Knowledge

2. 1Has Knowledge

   Can configure and adapt lexicography tools for different languages.

   Carries a learner to 2 — With Assistance

3. 2With Assistance

   Assist in training others on the use of lexical tools.

   Carries a learner to 3 — Independent

4. 3Independent

   Prepare and lead a lexical tools training event.

   Carries a learner to 4 — Expert

5. 4Expert

   Prepare and teach lexical tools at an LT Consultant training event.

   Top of the ladder

Lexical Collaboration

1. 0No Competency

   Identify the common methods of digital collaboration in lexical projects.

   Carries a learner to 1 — Has Knowledge

2. 1Has Knowledge

   Use the common methods of digital collaboration in lexical projects.

   Carries a learner to 2 — With Assistance

3. 2With Assistance

   Understand how to avoid send/receive conflicts, and advise users in best-practices for collaboration and data safety (within the team and remotely).

   Carries a learner to 3 — Independent

4. 3Independent

   Train users in best-practices for collaboration and data safety (within the team and remotely), such as the use of Send/Receive and LanguageDepot.

   Carries a learner to 4 — Expert

5. 4Expert

   Train users in Rapid Word Collection or other crowdsource collection and checking methods to build dictionaries.

   Top of the ladder

Description

Knowledge of current tools for building lexicons.

Further Information

• SIL Dictionaries & LexicographySite · sil.orgSIL overview page on its dictionary and lexicography work.
• SIL FieldworksSite · software.sil.orgHome of FieldWorks Language Explorer (FLEx), for building dictionaries, analysing texts and publishing lexicons; downloads and help.
• RapidWords.net (Rapid Dictionary Development)Site · rapidwords.netRapid Words site on the Rapid Dictionary Development method of collecting words by semantic domain.
• Introduction to Lexicography for FLExGuide · downloads.languagetechnology.orgLong guide to lexicography for FLEx users, covering dictionary planning, key concepts and step-by-step procedures.
• WeSaySite · software.sil.orgHome of WeSay, a simple dictionary tool that lets non-linguist speakers collect words in their own language.
• Language ForgeSite · languageforge.orgLanguage Forge, a web-based collaborative dictionary tool that syncs with FieldWorks; now in maintenance mode.
• Lexique ProSite · software.sil.orgHome of Lexique Pro, a discontinued lexicon viewer and editor; the page points to FieldWorks and Dictionary App Builder instead.
• SIL Field Linguist's ToolboxSite · software.sil.orgHome of Field Linguist's Toolbox, SIL software for managing and analysing language data in Standard Format.
• MLE 4000 wordlist in WeSayGuide · lingtran.netHow to use the MLE 4000 word list, with grammatical info and semantic domains, as a starting point in WeSay.
• MLE 4000 wordlist in FLExGuide · lingtran.netStep-by-step instructions for importing the MLE 4000 word list LIFT file into a new FLEx project.
• SILCAWL Starter database for FLExGuide · lingtran.netInstructions for installing the SIL Comparative African Wordlist into a new or existing FLEx project and setting up its display.
• Multi-Dictionary Formatter (MDF)Site · software.sil.orgPage on Multi-Dictionary Formatter (MDF), which turns a Toolbox or Shoebox lexical database into a printable dictionary.
• Making Dictionaries. A Guide to Lexicography and the Multi-Dictionary FormatterDocument · archive.orgInternet Archive copy of Making Dictionaries, a manual on lexicography principles and using MDF with Toolbox or Shoebox.
• LIFT standardSite · code.google.comGoogle Code Archive project for the LIFT standard, the XML format for exchanging lexicon data between tools.
• Computational LexicographySite · typecraft.orgTypeCraft wiki article on computational lexicography.

More in the resource library.

Descriptor last updated 2026-08-28.