D10. Publish on Webonary.org

This lesson provides a step-by-step guide on publishing a FLEx dictionary on Webonary.org, covering the application process, data upload, and site configuration. Here’s a summary:

Objective:

• Apply for a Webonary account.

• Upload a FLEx sample database to Webonary.

• Learn to manage a Webonary subsite.

1. Introduction to Webonary

• Webonary.org is an SIL-hosted platform for publishing FLEx dictionaries.

• Allows early access to lexical data for community involvement.

• Benefits lexicographers by enabling real-time updates and feedback.

2. Why Publish on Webonary?

• Free: No cost for publishing dictionaries.

• Easy: Upload data from FLEx with a single button click.

• Accessible: Users worldwide can browse dictionaries online.

• Searchable: Supports multiple search filters.

• Supported: Maintained by SIL personnel.

3. Components of a Webonary Dictionary

A Webonary subsite consists of:

• Front Matter (Introduction, Foreword, Copyright, Alphabet).

• Browse View (Entries, reversal indexes, Semantic Domains).

• Search Function (By headword, gloss, semantic domain, etc.).

• Back Matter (Appendices like grammar, phonology, maps).

• External Links (To other resources).

4. Applying for a Webonary Account

• Step 1: Go to Webonary Application Form.

• Step 2: Fill in details (Project name, language, dictionary status).

• Step 3: Choose a template:

  • Monolingual (English UI)

  • Bilingual (English + another language)

• Step 4: Submit the form and wait for approval (confirmation email).

5. Setting Up a Webonary Test Site

• A test site (e.g., test-[surname]) is created for practice.

• After testing, users can request a permanent Webonary site.

6. Uploading Data to Webonary

Preparing FLEx for Upload

• Sort the database: Ensure the Headword column is in ascending order.

• Select View: Use Root-based (complex forms as subentries).

Uploading Process

• Step 1: Open FLEx → Click File → Upload to Webonary.

• Step 2: Enter Site Name, Username, Password.

• Step 3: Select Main Dictionary and Root-based View.

• Step 4: Click Submit → Wait for upload completion.

Verifying the Upload

• Refresh the Webonary site.

• Check the "Number of Entries" bar.

• Browse entries by letter (e.g., click A for words starting with "A").

7. Restricting Data in Webonary Uploads

Users can limit what is published by:

1. Restricting Fields – Choose which dictionary fields appear.

2. Using Filters – Exclude entries based on criteria.

3. Restricting by Publication – Only upload specific publications.

4. Managing Reversal Indexes – Select which reversals to include.

8. Managing Webonary Content

• Editing Front/Back Matter via the Webonary Dashboard.

• Formatting Entries for better display.

• Adding images, links, and maps to enhance dictionary usability.

9. Publishing the Dictionary

• After finalizing content, request Webonary to list the site publicly.

• Contact SIL’s Dictionary & Lexicography Services (DLS) for assistance.

10. Completion

• Hands-on practice with a test site.

• Quiz (80% passing score) to reinforce learning.

• Opportunity for feedback to improve Webonary experience.

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