Making a dictionary app from a lexical database:
the case of the Contemporary Dictionary of the Swedish Academy

Authors: Louise Holmer, Monica von Martens, Emma Sköldberg

Abstract:
Developing an app version of a printed dictionary is a new challenge faced by lexicographers. Lexicographers involved in the app development process must consider fundamental lexicographic aspects as well as learn to understand technological and usage issues inherent to the new media. An inevitable question is how closely the content and layout can be made to match the printed dictionary while still offering ‘digital’ functionality such as linking, collapsed sections, audio, etc. Only a few reports discussing these issues have so far been published.
The aim of our paper is to further advance the exchange of knowledge and experience by sharing our observations made during the development of a new app corresponding to the comprehensive printed dictionary, Svensk ordbok utgiven av Svenska Akademien (the Contemporary Dictionary of the Swedish Academy, 2009). The app is the result of close cooperation between the financer The Swedish Academy, lexicographers and system developers at the Department of Swedish, University of Gothenburg and Isolve AB, a Stockholm-based app development agency specializing in dictionary apps.

Keywords: dictionary app; electronic dictionary; dictionary application; lexical database

Reference: In Kosem, I., Jakubiček, M., Kallas, J., Krek, S. (eds.) Electronic lexicography in the 21st century: linking lexical data in the digital age. Proceedings of the eLex 2015 conference, 11-13 August 2015, Herstmonceux Castle, United Kingdom. Ljubljana/Brighton: Trojina, Institute for Applied Slovene Studies/Lexical Computing Ltd., pp. 32-50.

URL: https://elex.link/elex2015/proceedings/eLex_2015_03_Holmer+vonMartens+Skoldberg.pdf

Published: 2015