The Word Oriented Linguistic Framework (WOLF) — Introduction
“The (W)ord (O)riented (L)inguistic (F)ramework provides an easy to use package that has been designed with linguistic needs in view.”
Product description on Dan Harvey’s Home Page
WOLF is a free and downloadable software application with an easy-to-use framework designed for linguists working on Indigenous language dictionaries. WOLF is an extension of the Acquisition of Restored Native Speech (ACORNS) research project. WOLF was designed to have a user interface similar to an Excel spreadsheet but with dictionary-specific functions. WOLF can support the creation of dictionaries with up to 100 languages or dialects, making the platform ideal for multilingual and multi-dialectical language projects. Multimedia components such as audio, video, and images can be integrated into a WOLF dictionary.
WOLF is somewhat technical and requires an intermediate level of computer skills. Once downloaded, it offers a basic interface, and minimal instructions are provided to users within the program. WOLF is free to download and can be used on as many computers as necessary. WOLF is not currently open source, but the developers intend for it to be open source in the future.
Highlights
- Designed specifically for Indigenous language dictionaries
- Free to use and download
- Can support multilingual and multi-dialectical dictionaries with up to 100 languages/dialects
- Unlimited definitions and examples can be added to each entry
- Extensive search and sort capabilities within the program
- Unicode compliant
Find a list of WOLF 3.0.3’s features here.
From Ransdell-Green, M. 2021. “Kala Dictionary Making with the WOLF Lexicography Software: A Collaborative Effort.” 7th International Conference on Language Documentation and Conservation (ICLDC). http://hdl.handle.net/10125/74492.
- Various formatting and style options available
- Allows for many lexicographical conventions (i.e., headwords, subheadings, homonym numbers, and additional information for each entry)
- Easy and direct import of spreadsheet data without the need for XML markup
- Merge spreadsheet data with existing WOLF databases
- Import dictionaries in SIL’s LIFT format (used by LexiquePro, WeSay, and FLEX)
- Collaboration with the developer to create new features
Considerations
- Limited online resources and support
- Limited information available on how to create websites and apps
- May require a learning period and some practice to use
- Not yet open source
- An ISO language code is required to add a language, and all dialects must be entered as variants of a language with an ISO code
- User-interface does not provide much guidance or instruction
Alternatives to WOLF
FirstVoices and Living Dictionaries can be used if users are looking to compile and publish an online dictionary. Both FirstVoices and Living Dictionaries are regularly updated and offer readily available support.
FLEx or TLex are good options for dictionary database software.
Miromaa may also be a good alternative to WOLF for users looking for a simplified interface.
Examples of Dictionaries Using WOLF
An example of a Hawaiian dictionary created by Brock Huddleston using the WOLF software can be found on the WOLF website.
To find the example dictionary: Start from the WOLF website, hover the curser over the ‘Documentation’ tab on the website menu. ‘Wolf 3.0.3’ will appear in the drop down menu. Click on ‘Wolf 3.0.3’ to load the page. At the top of the page click on the live link for Example: Hawaiian dictionary created by Brock Huddleston.
Support Service
Free manuals can be found on the WOLF website. There are currently no training services or video instructions available for the WOLF software.
The developer can be contacted via email (harveyd@sou.edu).
Developer
WOLF was created by Dr. Dan Harvey, a professor of computer science at Southern Oregon University, specifically for Indigenous language dictionaries.
At the time of writing, the latest version of WOLF is 3.0.3, although it is unclear when this update was released. The download page of the WOLF website was last updated in 2021.
The website for the larger ACORNS project can be found here.