Fieldworks Language Explorer (FLEx) — Introduction
“FieldWorks supports tasks ranging from the initial entry of collected data through to the preparation of data for publication, including dictionary development, interlinearization of texts, morphological analysis, and other publications.”
FLEx SIL Website
Fieldworks Language Explorer (FLEx) is an integrated set of free, open-source software tools designed to manage linguistic and cultural data. FLEx is intended to support linguists in collecting data, developing a dictionary, interlinearlizing text, performing morphological analysis, and sorting language data for publication. Intermediate knowledge of lexicography and linguistics and a strong set of computer skills are required. As SIL International developed it, FLEx is easily used alongside other SIL lexicography technologies such as Language Forge, WeSay, Lexique Pro, Dictionary App Builder (DAB), and Pathway. FLEx is compatible with Windows and Linux operating systems but cannot be used with macOS.
FLEx comprises various software elements that support lexicon compilation and editing, text analysis, and grammatical parsing. The Lexicon area is where entries are collected and can be edited and browsed. The Texts & Words area is used to add texts, such as newspaper articles and stories, and can be used to add words to the lexicon directly from imported texts. The Grammar area contains tools for morphological parsing and stores grammatical data.
FLEx was designed to be used with WeSay, however WeSay is no longer in development as of 2019. Instead, FLEx can be used with Language Forge, SIL International’s replacement tool for WeSay. By using FLEx and Language Forge together, users can compile lexical data and word lists remotely, which are then imported into the more sophisticated FLEx software for further analysis or publication. In addition, the free Pathway plug-in can be installed to format lexical data for print or digital publication and customize the layout of the lexicon.
FLEx does not automatically upload and share changes to a database with other members of the same project, meaning that project collaborators must manually share every version of their database. FLEx files can be shared and backed up manually using a USB flash drive, over the internet by using SIL’s Language Depot Internet server (find more information on Language Depot Internet server here), or, in cases where a team meets in person and has a Local Area Network (LAN), by connecting their computers using Chorus Hub. Information on how to send and receive FLEx data can be found here.
Highlights
- Free to use and download
- Open-source
- Extensive peer-reviewed articles, resources, guides, and instructions are available
- Widely used, resulting in extensive online support from the FLEx community
- Supports the integration of linguistic analysis and lexicography
- Interfaces with other SIL software, specifically Language Forge and Pathway
- Once downloaded, it can be used with or without internet access
- Unicode compliant
- Allows for bulk edits to be made across software, which saves time and ensures consistency
- Compatible with Windows and Linux
From Rogers, C. 2010. “Review: Fieldworks Language Explorer (FLEx) 3.0.” Language Documentation & Conservation, 4: 78-84. https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/653de9a1-8278-42f3-9edc-6d2050e04c21/content.
- Intuitive and user-friendly dictionary organization and software layout
- Many of the software components are customizable
- Supports morphological analysis
- The interlinear glossing function is easy to use
- Searches can be made across software, not only in the open window
- Entries can be cross-referenced in the lexicon
Considerations
- Does not support the import of multilingual databases
- Not designed to support a multilingual or comparative database, although users have found ways to support multiple translation languages
- Not compatible with macOS
- Data sharing options are limited, especially for teams working remotely (however, the development of Language Forge has aided this sharing process)
- No direct support from FLEx developers or SIL is available
- Requires intermediate computer skills, meaning that it may not be accessible for all potential users
From Rogers, C. 2010. “Review: Fieldworks Language Explorer (FLEx) 3.0.” Language Documentation & Conservation, 4: 78-84. https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/653de9a1-8278-42f3-9edc-6d2050e04c21/content.
- Switching between viewing modes in the various tools can be slow and inconvenient
- Migrating data from some other software (i.e. Toolbox) can be slow and complicated
- Not all lexicographical/linguistic functions can be carried out in FLEx (additional tools must be downloaded for archiving, syntactic mapping, and phonetic analysis)
Alternatives to FLEx
TLex is another sophisticated lexicography tool comparable to FLEx. It is not part of the SIL suite and is compatible with macOS. More direct support from the developers of TLex is available for users. However, TLex is not a free software.
Miromaa, another tool outside of the SIL suite, provides many of the same functions as FLEx, but with a simplified interface. Miromaa offers some free licenses, but generally has a licensing fee. It is primarily intended for communities working on their own language rather than linguists.
Examples of Dictionaries Using FLEx
Although there are many languages worldwide that have used FLEx to create their dictionaries, we are not aware of any public examples.
SIL International offers a list of all of the languages that use dictionaries made with FLEx and links to each language here.
Support Service
SIL does not offer any direct technical support for FLEx, but offers extensive self-paced resources and avenues for community support.
The FLEx website offers multiple help and training documents, an FAQ page, and training videos with instructions and answers to common questions.
The website links to a community Google forum (which is available in both English and French and can be found here) and a contact box that can be used to ask further questions.
Developer
FLEx is Developed by SIL International. It is regularly updated as of 2023.