The Austronesian and the Micronesian Comparative Dictionaries as CLDF datasets

Area of Science:

• * Linguistics
• * Computational Linguistics
• * Language Documentation

Background:

• * The Austronesian Comparative Dictionary and Micronesian Comparative Dictionary are vital linguistic resources.
• * Legacy versions face uncertain futures and lack structured formats for quantitative analysis.
• * Existing formats hinder data interoperability and preservation for scientific record.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To convert the Austronesian Comparative Dictionary and Micronesian Comparative Dictionary into CLDF datasets.
• * To ensure long-term preservation and enhance programmatic access to linguistic data.
• * To lay the groundwork for cross-dataset interoperability, particularly between Austronesian and Micronesian languages.

Main Methods:

• * Conversion of existing dictionary data into the Cross-drive Language Data Format (CLDF).
• * Structuring lexicographical data for quantitative linguistic methods.
• * Establishing a framework for data interoperability between related language families.

Main Results:

• * Successfully created CLDF datasets for both dictionaries, ensuring data preservation.
• * Enabled programmatic access to lexicographical data, increasing usability.
• * Established a foundation for integrating Micronesian data with the Austronesian Comparative Dictionary.

Conclusions:

• * CLDF conversion significantly improves data accessibility and interoperability for linguistic research.
• * The structured datasets facilitate quantitative analysis and comparative studies.
• * This work enables future research on the relationship between Micronesian and broader Austronesian languages.