Re: Dictionary formats

* Andreas Johansson said on 2002-03-31 15:38:48 +0200
> A trouble with dictionaries (mine at any rate) is that they make everything
> look like a relex. F'rinstance, the Tairezazh words _gravun_ and _elkergast_
> refer to quite different state structures, yet both are translated to
> English as "empire"*!
So you have a longer description for each word stating the differences,
with crossreferences, like a real dictionary. (The multi-volume kind.)

Here's an attempt made from your example:

* An _elkergast_, meaning litterally "emperor-rule-ing", refers basically
to a centralized hereditary monarchy. See also _gravun_. In these terms
China 's been a _elkergast_ for most of it's history.

* A _gravun_, from Vaikin _geraviun_ "alone-rule" usually refers to short-
lived, militarily expansionistic empires. See also _elkergast_. The Mongol
empire and the empire of Alexander the Great are examples of_gravun_.

Yes, more work but it is well worth it.


t.