A new interface model for the Jazyki Mira typological database Oleg Belyaev The research is supported by RFBR grant (www.rfbr.ru), 07-06-00229 а. - презентация

1 A new interface model for the Jazyki Mira typological database Oleg Belyaev The research is supported by RFBR grant ( а

2 The Jazyki Mira database 318 languages 3821 binary features Text-based metadata for each language

3 Problems Languages are not classified in any way and can therefore only be displayed in alphabetic order. Features are hierarchically organized, but the level is indicated only by the number of dots present in a given feature's name. Metadata contains geographic and genealogical information, but it is entirely text-based and cannot be processed in a uniform fashion. No feature annotations or examples.

4 The current version Contains basic browsing and search capabilities Allows input of new data No mapping tool or regional/genealogical classification No tree-based view; hierarchical level indicated by dots

5 Goals for a new version Aimed specifically at ordinary users Easier and more intuitive browsing A new geographic and genealogical classification Feature annotations Examples

6 What has been made Framework for genealogical and geographic classifications (latter yet to be filled, former needs to be translated) Hierarchical representation of features Tabbed browsing Framework for presenting examples and annotations (yet to be filled; high priority)

7 Tree-based representation of features Allows for easier browsing of a single language

8 Family browser Displays a genealogical classification of languages in a tree- based fashion The classification is taken from the JM encyclopædia and is not perfect

9 Region browser Mostly identical in structure to the Family browser Not filled yet, just a placeholder

10 Search Allows the user to search languages based on presence of any number of features

11 Examples and Annotations A framework for providing examples either for each binary feature or for higher- level features only Generic and language-specific examples Annotations function in the same way as examples do

12 What's next? Possibly, a full rewrite in Java for better portability (currently only runs under Windoze) Change data format from.xls to something else! GUI improvements New search capabilities Filling out the region database Translation!

13 That's all, folks! Time for questions and suggestions.