On 9/22/05, Jim Breen Jim.Breen@infotech.monash.edu.au wrote:
As a lexicographer I am always interested in etymology. I am a bit mystified by the view that it is somehow coupled to spelling. In the languages I know, spelling used to be highly fluid and individualistic, and has only recently been pinned down into recognized norms. In the case of English, the fact that there are two "schools" of spelling (which only affect a minority of words) is largely the result of the simplifications made and promulgated by one man: Noah Webster. Interesting indeed, but nothing to do with etymology.
In the UW, an etymology is not related directly to a spelling. Typically an etymology is linked to a "lemma". Lemmas are typically considered the combination of a meaning and a word. In the UW a Lemma can be considered a specific occurrence in the table SynTrans. This way you have the combination of a Word and a Meaning.
You wrote that you are interested in UW because of a multi language database that you have particularly for/with Japanese. I do not what you want to achieve, but if your interest is in an analysis of the possibility to import your data in UW, then I would love to have a look at your data design. If you consider importing the content under the GFDL, I would be even more happy.
One lesson that I will learn, is if I have all the features to include a Japanese dictionary.
Thanks, GerardM