B5. Setting up a new FLEx Database

This lesson provides a guide to creating and setting up a new FLEx database, focusing on configuring vernacular and analysis writing systems. Here's a summary:

Objective:

• Create a FLEx database and configure writing systems for the vernacular (language being studied) and analysis languages.

Key Concepts:

1. FLEx Database Purpose:
   Used to analyze languages and compile bilingual, multilingual, or monolingual dictionaries.

   • Vernacular: Language being studied.

   • Analysis: Language(s) describing the vernacular.

2. Writing Systems:
   Defined by language, script, text direction, fonts, sort order, and keyboard settings.

   • Multiple writing systems can be set up for the same language (e.g., IPA vs. orthographic).

3. Steps to Create a New Project:
   Launch: Open FLEx and start a new project from the splash screen or File menu.

   • Name the Project: Enter a unique name (e.g., "Lugwere").

   • Select Vernacular Language: Choose the primary vernacular language and configure its default writing system.

   • Select Analysis Language(s): English is the default, but others can be added.

   • Optional Configurations: Add additional vernacular/analysis writing systems or customize writing system properties.

4. User Interface (UI):
   The UI language can be changed (e.g., English to French) via the Tools menu under "Options."

5. File Structure:
   FLEx creates subfolders like "LinkedFiles" for managing media such as audio, pictures, and videos.

Activities:

• Follow instructions to create a database for the Lugwere language.

• Customize settings like writing systems and UI language.

Completion:

• Includes a quiz to reinforce learning (80% passing score) and an opportunity to provide feedback.

OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT [Large language model]. https://chatgpt.com