Task::XML

Posted on October 14th, 2009 by mshaffer in Vision::Redesign, Vision::Reprint

The first American dictionary needs to be put in a modern data format, so that more information can be extracted from each entry. As such, Task::XML involves taking the original dictionary and putting the original contents into a data structure know as XML. Although there are several technical data formats for dictionary entries, the purpose of this project is to try and capture the data structure Noah Webster used in his 1828 dictionary. As such, lots of work needs to be done to put each definition into this format. A beta demonstration of this is available on the dictionary website as the “Word of the Day.” Over 300 words have been initially placed in this XML format to demonstrate the richness of the new data structure. The database has over 60,000 unique spelled words, so there is a lot of work to be done.

The richness of XML will allow us to create custom applications (iPhone, Google gadgets, etc.) as well as puts the data in a form that can be rebuilt in digital form (PDFs of Words of the Week) or print form (e.g., Project::Reprint).

One Comment on “Task::XML”

  1. dohardthings
    Commented on October 30, 2009 at 6:11 PM |

    Can you make an 1828 dictionary search engine for Firefox?

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Access to American Heritage

The foundation for American Heritage Access [AHA] strives to capture the essence of American culture with an intent to make early American manuscripts accessible to modern society. We believe that the successful future of this country is dependent on honoring and respecting its past. In order to achieve this ideal, several projects will be introduced and executed.
The first project will relate to Noah Webster. Noah Webster was the founding father of American education. In 1828, he published the first American dictionary of the English language. Known for its classic literature and biblical examples along with etymology of twenty six different languages, this dictionary is perfect for Christian Bible study and home schooling. He also published the Blue-Backed Speller which was exclusively used in American education for over 100 years. For these reasons, we believe Noah Webster typifies the Spirit of American Heritage. As such, Project::Noah will serve as a cornerstone of this foundation.

Project::Noah

Project::Noah is about making the first American dictionary accessible. To accomplish this, three specific visions need to be executed: Vision::Reprint, will attempt to make a modern printing of the first dictionary of the American language available to the public for under $25; Vision::Redesign, will improve the current online accessibility to the 1828 dictionary; Vision::Recapture will tie the importance of Noah Webster into our American Heritage and create a commissioned painting. All in all, Project::Noah is striving to capture our American Heritage in several ways and make it available to those interested.

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