TshwaneLex (TLex) — Introduction
“TLex (TshwaneLex) is a professional, feature-rich, fully internationalized, off-the-shelf software application suite for compiling dictionaries or terminology lists.”
TLex Page on the TshwaneDJE Website
TshwaneLex (TLex) is a downloadable software application designed specifically for creating dictionaries. It offers many features which simplify working with a large database. Although TLex is intended to be easy to use, it does require some time to learn and a level of comfort with learning to use new software. In addition, TLex is paid software, starting at $171 USD per license.
TLex provides users with a structured environment to house their language data, which includes the ability to make formatting changes on the entire document, at one time, in a uniform way. Language data can be entered directly into TLex, or be imported in a variety of file formats.
The fields included in each TLex entry are headword/lemma, pronunciation, derivation, etymology, frequency, senses, translations, definition and examples. In the advanced mode, TLex allows for categories to be customized and for additional categories to be added or removed, such as a gloss line.
Highlights
- Extensive tutorials available on YouTube
- Paid support available
- Customizable format
- Unicode compliant
- Free trial/evaluation
From Bowern, C. 2007. “TshwaneLex Dictionary Compilation Software.” Language Documentation & Conservation, 1(1): 94-99. https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/items/254e2ba0-e74a-42d6-9ca3-bad96614fd56.
- Great tool for creating a dictionary from scratch
- Offers structured data entry
- Minimal set-up required
- Multiple users supported
- Multiple export formats
- Data is easy to archive in open source formats
From De Schryver, G-M. 2011. “Why Opting for a Dedicated, Professional, Off-the-shelf Dictionary Writing System Matters.” Seventh ASIALEX Biennial International Conference, 647-656. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261835520_Why_Opting_for_a_Dedicated_Professional_Off-the-shelf_Dictionary_Writing_System_Matters.
- Reduced project completion time with automation, such as:
- Automatic numbering
- Lemma reversal
- Cross-reference tracking/updating
- Error checking
Considerations
- Limited support for multilingual dictionaries (see section 6, Language Support, on the More Information page for details)
- May require a learning period and some practice to use
- Cost may be a barrier for some users
- Many customization features are classified as ‘advanced’ by TLex, meaning that they are more difficult to use and manage
From Bowern, C. 2007. “TshwaneLex Dictionary Compilation Software.” Language Documentation & Conservation, 1(1): 94-99. https://scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/items/254e2ba0-e74a-42d6-9ca3-bad96614fd56.
- Difficult to use with other documentation tools
- Keyboard-only navigation is difficult
- No actual full reversal (only lemma reversal)
- More suited for lexicography-only projects, as interlinearization requires other software
Alternatives to TLex
Examples of Dictionaries Using TLex
Several examples of dictionaries that have been created using the TLex software can be found here on the TshwaneDJe website.
Dictionaries can also be published online through TLex’s electronic dictionary software module (at a cost). The Swahili Dictionary and Northern Sotho Dictionary are online dictionaries created with TLex and published with their electronic dictionary software module.
Support Service
Support and training packages can be added starting at $58 an hour when purchasing a license. Support and training packages can be through video, desktop-sharing, email, or telephone support and are offered directly by the developer.
Developer
TLex was developed by TshwaneDJe Human Language Technology in Tshwane, South Africa. TshwaneDJe was co-founded by David Joffe and Dr. Gilles-Maurice de Schryver.