Dynamic Metalanguage Customisation with the Dictionary Application TshwaneLex

Abstract

In the present contribution, the point of departure is the dynamic metalanguage customisation that is realised in real time on the Web for reference works produced with the lexicography software TshwaneLex. This unique feature is absent from even the best electronic dictionaries currently on the market. It is shown that, to achieve this type of customisation, functionality beyond straightforward XML had to be implemented in TshwaneLex. This extra functionality has been made available to the dictionary compilers through a user-friendly editor dialog as part of the fully customisable and built-in DTD. Once set up, the language and format of all metalanguage can not only be easily changed at any point during compilation, but dictionaries can also be customised for particular target users or particular dictionaries (e.g. pocket versus unabridged editions) when outputting for print, while truly instantaneous tailoring is effectively made possible for electronic and online dictionaries. Dynamic Metalanguage Customisation with the Dictionary Application TshwaneLex