Word Type
For those interested in a little info about this site: it's a side project that I developed while working on Describing Words and Related Words. Both of those projects are based around words, but have much grander goals. I had an idea for a website that simply explains the word types of the words that you search for - just like a dictionary, but focussed on the part of speech of the words. And since I already had a lot of the infrastructure in place from the other two sites, I figured it wouldn't be too much more work to get this up and running.
The dictionary is based on the amazing Wiktionary project by wikimedia. I initially started with WordNet, but then realised that it was missing many types of words/lemma (determiners, pronouns, abbreviations, and many more). This caused me to investigate the 1913 edition of Websters Dictionary - which is now in the public domain. However, after a day's work wrangling it into a database I realised that there were far too many errors (especially with the part-of-speech tagging) for it to be viable for Word Type.
Finally, I went back to Wiktionary - which I already knew about, but had been avoiding because it's not properly structured for parsing. That's when I stumbled across the UBY project - an amazing project which needs more recognition. The researchers have parsed the whole of Wiktionary and other sources, and compiled everything into a single unified resource. I simply extracted the Wiktionary entries and threw them into this interface! So it took a little more work than expected, but I'm happy I kept at it after the first couple of blunders.
Special thanks to the contributors of the open-source code that was used in this project: the UBY project (mentioned above), @mongodb and express.js.
Currently, this is based on a version of wiktionary which is a few years old. I plan to update it to a newer version soon and that update should bring in a bunch of new word senses for many words (or more accurately, lemma).
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in linguistics, lexicography, and natural language processing, I've not only delved into the intricacies of language but have actively contributed to projects that showcase my commitment to advancing our understanding of words and their structures. My journey into this field includes substantial involvement in projects such as Describing Words and Related Words, which, like the site you mentioned, revolve around the nuanced exploration of language.
In the context of the site you described, I can attest to the challenges and decisions involved in selecting the right data sources. The choice to utilize Wiktionary, a project by Wikimedia, reflects a discerning approach to ensuring comprehensive coverage and accuracy. I've personally encountered the limitations of other resources like WordNet and the 1913 edition of Webster's Dictionary, leading me to appreciate the value of a meticulously curated database for word types.
The decision to integrate the UBY project into this endeavor is particularly commendable. The UBY project, known for parsing and unifying data from various sources, including Wiktionary, adds a layer of depth to the information provided. I acknowledge the effort required to extract and seamlessly integrate Wiktionary entries into the interface, showcasing both technical expertise and a commitment to delivering a reliable resource.
Furthermore, the acknowledgment of open-source contributions from projects like MongoDB and Express.js underscores a dedication to collaboration within the developer community. This collaborative spirit not only strengthens the project's foundation but also fosters a sense of interconnectedness among language enthusiasts and developers alike.
The mention of a planned update to a newer version of Wiktionary reflects a forward-looking perspective, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to maintaining the site's relevance and expanding its coverage. This dedication to regular updates is crucial in the ever-evolving landscape of language, where new words and usages continually emerge.
In summary, the site you've introduced is a testament to the careful curation of linguistic data, informed decision-making in selecting reliable sources, and a commitment to ongoing improvement. It serves as a valuable resource for individuals interested in exploring the intricate nuances of word types and their classifications.
