Conceptionary — AI Template Selection Guide

Alan William Preston @ Mangawhai, New Zealand June 2026 — Version 1.1


Document Purpose

This guide instructs Artificial Intelligence on how to:

It is designed to be extensible: new templates, new writing systems, new cyclical cycles, and new language pairs can be added by following the established format. Each section and each template entry carries a status indicator showing whether it is complete, partially built, or proposed.


Status Indicators

Symbol

Meaning

✓

Template built and live on the Conceptionary website

◐

Partially built (some language pairs available)

○

Planned — template defined but not yet built

—

Section of this guide not yet written


How to Read the Decision Logic

Each decision is written as:

IF [condition]

THEN [result or next question]


Questions are numbered Q1, Q2 … for the main decision tree, and Q-SL (Single Line) and Q-CY (Cyclical) for the branch sections. Follow each question in order. Stop at the first match.


The Three-Stage AI Workflow

STAGE 1 — UNDERSTAND THE CONCEPT

  Receive the concept from the learner.

  Identify: what does it describe?

  Does it involve a change, a spectrum, a cycle, or a direction?


STAGE 2 — SELECT THE TEMPLATE

  Follow the decision tree in this document (Parts 1–5).

  Identify the correct template code.


STAGE 3 — COLLECT AND ORDER VOCABULARY

  Collect vocabulary items relevant to the concept.

  Order items according to the template's position structure

  (x-axis = progression in time; y-axis = degree up or down).

  Assign each item to its template position.

  See Part 6 for vocabulary instructions.



PART 1 — Writing System Check

The first question determines which family of templates is available. Phonographic (Latin/Romanic alphabet) and Logographic (non-Latin scripts) templates share the same conceptual structure but differ in their display architecture.

Q1  Is this language usually written in the

    Romanic (Latin) alphabet?


    IF YES → use a PHONOGRAPHIC template

              (2-level display: Target Language + Source Language)


    IF NO  → use a LOGOGRAPHIC template

              (3-level display: Romanisation + Target Language

               + Source Language)

              e.g. Japanese uses Hepburn romanisation

                   Chinese uses Pinyin romanisation

                   Te Reo Māori uses standard Latin with macrons

                   [treated as Phonographic]


Note for extensibility: when a new language pair is added, record its writing system here and specify its romanisation standard if applicable.

Language

Script type

Romanisation standard

English

Phonographic

—

Deutsch

Phonographic

—

Bahasa Indonesia

Phonographic

—

Te Reo Māori

Phonographic (macrons)

—

Italiano

Phonographic

—

日本語 (Nihongo)

Logographic

Hepburn romanisation

中文 (Putonghua)

Logographic

Pinyin romanisation

ภาษาไทย (Thai)

Logographic

[To be defined]


PART 2 — Change Structure Check

Before entering the multi-line template decision tree, determine whether the concept requires a single line template or a cyclical/directional template.

Q2  Does the concept involve a CHANGE or TRANSITION

    between states?


    IF NO  → the concept is a NAMED SPECTRUM or CONTINUUM

              → go to PART 3: Single Line Templates


    IF YES → go to Q3



Q3  Is the change CYCLICAL or DIRECTIONAL?

    (A repeating pattern with no fixed start or end,

     or a spatial direction cycle)


    IF YES → go to PART 4: Cyclical and Directional Templates


    IF NO  → go to PART 5: Multi-Line Templates



PART 3 — Single Line Templates

Single line templates operate in two roles: · As standalone templates for simple named spectra · As secondary displays expanding a specific position

When to use a single line template:

IF the concept is a named spectrum of labeled points

   (not a staged transition between states)

→ Single line template


IF the concept is EXTENDING or EXPANDING a single

   position from within a larger template

→ Single line template (secondary role)


IF the concept involves ADVERBS OF DEGREE,

   COMPARATIVES, or SUPERLATIVES

→ Single line template (Vertical Line preferred)



Q-SL1 — Which Single Line Template?

Q-SL1  What is the PRIMARY DIMENSION of variation?



Horizontal Line ✓

Variants available:

Select 5TB when: the concept has 5 or fewer named stages and the reduced textbox count gives cleaner visual spacing (simpler spectrums, short journeys).

Select 10TB when: the concept has 6–10 named stages, or benefits from more granular positions along the continuum (e.g. detailed journey stages, extended sequences).

IF the primary dimension is LATERAL SPACE or TIME

   (movement from left to right along a continuum)


Use when:

· Proximity ↔ Distance  (near → here → far)

· Journey  (origin → en route → destination)

· Passage of time  (start → process → end)

· Duration of a life or process in sequence

· Named stages unfolding left to right


Template positions: named points along the line

  Left anchor · Intermediate points · Right anchor


Examples:

  Near · Nearby · Here · Getting closer · Arrived

  Beginning · Early · Midway · Nearly done · Complete

  Birth · Childhood · Adulthood · Old age · Death



Vertical Line ✓

IF the primary dimension is DEGREE or QUALITY

   (variation up or down a scale, no time element)


Use when:

· Level or grade  (lowest → highest)

· Adverbs of degree  (not at all → barely →

  slightly → somewhat → quite → very → extremely)

· Comparatives and superlatives  (adjective →

  comparative → superlative)

· Any scale of amount or intensity without a

  time dimension


Template positions: named points along the vertical axis

  Bottom anchor · Intermediate points · Top anchor


Examples:

  Good · Better · Best

  None · A little · Some · A lot · All

  Not at all · Slightly · Quite · Very · Extremely



Diagonal Line — Upward ✓

IF the concept INCREASES in BOTH degree AND over time

   (x-axis advances; y-axis rises)


Use when:

· Something grows, intensifies, or improves

  as time passes

· Expanding a mid-point or transitional phase

  of a GP3LP or GT5L into a more detailed

  sub-spectrum (secondary role)


Template positions: named points along the upward diagonal

  Lower-left anchor · Intermediate points ·

  Upper-right anchor


Examples:

  Lightly toasted → Just right → Overdone → Burned

  Barely audible → Quiet → Moderate → Loud → Deafening



Diagonal Line — Downward ✓

IF the concept DECREASES in BOTH degree AND over time

   (x-axis advances; y-axis falls)


Use when:

· Something fades, weakens, or deteriorates

  as time passes

· Expanding a transitional phase of a GP3LN or

  GPCVN into a more detailed sub-spectrum

  (secondary role)


Template positions: named points along the downward diagonal

  Upper-left anchor · Intermediate points ·

  Lower-right anchor


Examples:

  Fresh → Slightly stale → Stale → Inedible

  Full charge → Mostly charged → Half → Low → Flat



PART 4 — Cyclical and Directional Templates

Use a cyclical template when the concept involves a REPEATING PATTERN — a sequence that completes and begins again with no fixed start or end.

Use a directional template when the concept involves ORIENTATION IN SPACE rather than a temporal cycle.


Q-CY0 — Temporal or Directional?

Q-CY0  Does the concept describe DIRECTION IN SPACE

       rather than a repeating pattern in time?


       IF YES → go to Directional Templates below

       IF NO  → go to Q-CY1: Temporal Cyclical Templates



Directional Templates

Compass Points ◐

IF the concept is about ABSOLUTE GEOGRAPHIC ORIENTATION

   (which way is North, South, East, West?)


Use for:

· Cardinal directions: N · S · E · W

· Intercardinal directions: NE · SE · SW · NW

· Geographic orientation and map-reading vocabulary


Template positions: 8 (or 16) directional points

  arranged in a circular compass rose


Language pairs available: EN-DE · EN-JA

Language pairs planned:   EN-ID · EN-MI · EN-IT


Direction of Travel — Driving ◐

(Steering Wheel template)

IF the concept is about RELATIVE MOVEMENT DIRECTIONS

   for a traveller or driver (relative to current heading)


Use for:

· Turn left · Go straight · Turn right

· U-turn · Reverse · Roundabout

· Navigation instructions relative to a vehicle


Template positions: directional vocabulary arranged

  around a steering wheel (360° representation)


Language pairs available: EN-DE · EN-JA

Language pairs planned:   EN-ID · EN-MI



Q-CY1 — Temporal Cyclical Templates: Period of the Cycle

Q-CY1  What is the NATURAL PERIOD of the cycle?


   A)  Within a SINGLE DAY  → go to Q-CY2

   B)  Within a WEEK        → Days of the Week

   C)  Within a MONTH       → go to Q-CY3

   D)  Within a YEAR        → go to Q-CY4



Days of the Week ◐

IF the natural period of the cycle is ONE WEEK

   (seven named days repeating)


Use for:

· Naming and ordering the days of the week

· Weekly routine and schedule vocabulary


Template positions: 7 days arranged in a cycle

  Monday through Sunday (or Sunday through Saturday

  according to target language convention)


Language pairs available: EN-DE · EN-ID · EN-JA · EN-MI

Language pairs planned:   EN-IT · EN-ZH



Q-CY2 — Within-Day Cycles

Clock (Time of Day) ◐

Q-CY2a  Is the concept about READING AND INTERPRETING

        a clock face — what hour is shown?


   IF YES → CLOCK (Time of Day) template


   Use for:

   · Hours on a 12-hour or 24-hour clock face

   · Reading the clock (o'clock, half past, quarter to)

   · Daily time awareness vocabulary


   Template positions: 12 or 24 hour positions

     arranged in a clock-face circle


   Language pairs available: EN-DE · EN-ID · EN-JA · EN-MI


Telling the Time ◐

Q-CY2b  Is the concept about the LANGUAGE USED TO

        EXPRESS time — how to say what time it is?


   IF YES → TELLING THE TIME template


   Use for:

   · Verbal and written time expressions

   · Quarter past · Half past · Quarter to

   · Five past · Ten to · Twenty past etc.


   Note: distinct from Clock, which is about reading

   the clock face. Telling the Time is about the

   linguistic EXPRESSION of time.


   Language pairs available: EN-ID

   Language pairs planned:   EN-DE · EN-JA · EN-MI


Parts of the Day ◐

Q-CY2c  Is the concept about NAMED SEGMENTS of the

        day as lived and described?


   IF YES → PARTS OF THE DAY template


   Use for:

   · Named periods: Dawn · Morning · Midday ·

     Afternoon · Evening · Night · Midnight

   · Daily routine and time-of-day conversation


   Template positions: 6–8 named day segments

     arranged in a daily arc


   Language pairs available: EN-DE · EN-ID · EN-JA

   Language pairs planned:   EN-MI · EN-IT


Daily Tidal Cycle ◐

Q-CY2d  Is the concept about the RISE AND FALL OF

        TIDES within a single day?


   IF YES → DAILY TIDAL CYCLE template


   Use for:

   · High tide → Ebbing → Low tide → Flooding → High tide

   · Two tidal cycles per day (semidiurnal)

   · Coastal and maritime vocabulary


   Template positions: tidal states arranged in a

     circular daily cycle


   Language pairs available: EN-ID · EN-MI

   Language pairs planned:   EN-DE · EN-JA



Q-CY3 — Within-Month Cycles

Monthly Lunar Cycle ◐

Q-CY3a  Is the subject of the cycle THE MOON and

        its visible phases?


   IF YES → MONTHLY LUNAR CYCLE template


   Use for:

   · New moon → Waxing crescent → First quarter →

     Waxing gibbous → Full moon → Waning gibbous →

     Last quarter → Waning crescent → New moon

   · Moon-phase vocabulary

   · Night-sky, calendar, and cultural moon vocabulary


   Template positions: 8 principal lunar phases

     arranged in a monthly arc


   Language pairs available: EN-DE · EN-ID · EN-JA · EN-MI


Monthly Tidal Cycle ◐

Q-CY3b  Is the concept about the VARIATION IN TIDAL

        RANGE over a month — spring tides and neap tides?


   IF YES → MONTHLY TIDAL CYCLE template


   Use for:

   · Spring tides (at new and full moon) →

     Neap tides (at quarter moon) → Spring tides

   · Coastal ecology, fishing, and maritime vocabulary

   · Distinct from Daily Tidal Cycle (which is about

     the within-day rise and fall)


   Template positions: tidal range states arranged

     in a monthly arc


   Language pairs available: EN-ID · EN-JA · EN-MI

   Language pairs planned:   EN-DE


Monthly Menstrual Cycle ◐

Q-CY3c  Is the concept about the HUMAN REPRODUCTIVE

        / MENSTRUAL cycle?


   IF YES → MONTHLY MENSTRUAL CYCLE template


   Use for:

   · Menstruation → Follicular phase →

     Ovulation → Luteal phase

   · Health, biology, and personal wellbeing vocabulary


   Template positions: 4 principal phases arranged

     in a monthly arc


   Language pairs available: EN-DE

   Language pairs planned:   EN-ID · EN-JA · EN-MI



Q-CY4 — Within-Year Cycles

Months of the Year ◐

Q-CY4a  Is the concept about NAMING AND ORDERING

        the twelve months of the year?


   IF YES → MONTHS OF THE YEAR template


   Use for:

   · January through December in cyclic sequence

   · Calendar vocabulary, dates, scheduling language


   Template positions: 12 named months in a

     circular annual cycle


   Language pairs available: EN-DE · EN-ID · EN-JA · EN-MI

   Language pairs planned:   EN-IT · EN-ZH


Seasons of the Year — Temperate Zones ◐

Q-CY4b  Is the concept about CLIMATE SEASONS in a

        TEMPERATE zone (four distinct seasons)?


   IF YES → SEASONS OF THE YEAR — TEMPERATE ZONES template


   Use for:

   · Spring → Summer → Autumn → Winter

   · Temperate-region weather, nature, and

     seasonal activity vocabulary


   NOTE FOR AI: apply this template when the target

   language is associated with a temperate climate.

   Default for: English (UK/NZ/AU) · Deutsch · Italiano


   Template positions: 4 seasons arranged in an

     annual arc


   Language pairs available: EN-DE · EN-MI

   Language pairs planned:   EN-IT


Seasons of the Year — Wet Tropics ◐

Q-CY4c  Is the concept about CLIMATE SEASONS in a

        WET TROPICAL zone (wet and dry seasons)?


   IF YES → SEASONS OF THE YEAR — WET TROPICS template


   Use for:

   · Wet season → Dry season (and sub-divisions

     specific to the target region)

   · Tropical weather, agriculture, and lifestyle

     vocabulary in tropical regions


   NOTE FOR AI: apply this template when the target

   language is associated with a wet tropical climate.

   Default for: Bahasa Indonesia


   Template positions: 2 principal seasons plus

     regional sub-divisions arranged in an annual arc


   Language pairs available: EN-ID

   Language pairs planned:   EN-MI (where applicable)


Annual Rice-Growing Cycle ✓

Q-CY4d  Is the concept about the ANNUAL GROWING

        CYCLE for RICE?


   IF YES → ANNUAL RICE-GROWING CYCLE template


   Use for:

   · Land preparation → Planting → Growing →

     Harvesting → Post-harvest rest

   · Agricultural vocabulary in rice-growing cultures

   · Cultural and seasonal language in East and

     Southeast Asian contexts


   Template positions: 5–6 principal stages arranged

     in an annual arc


   Language pairs available: EN-JA

   Language pairs planned:   EN-ID · EN-MI


Annual Wheat-Growing Cycle ○

Q-CY4e  Is the concept about the ANNUAL GROWING

        CYCLE for WHEAT?


   IF YES → ANNUAL WHEAT-GROWING CYCLE template

            *(template not yet built — planned)*


   Use for:

   · Ploughing → Sowing → Growing → Ripening →

     Harvesting → Stubble / rest

   · Agricultural vocabulary in wheat-growing regions

   · Seasonal and rural language in temperate

     agricultural contexts


   Template positions: 5–6 principal stages arranged

     in an annual arc (similar structure to Rice-Growing)


   Language pairs planned: EN-DE · EN-IT


   NOTE: When built, add available language pairs here.



[EXTENSIBILITY NOTE — Q-CY4 ADDITIONS] Other annual agricultural or ecological cycles can be added here following the same format as Q-CY4d and Q-CY4e. Candidates include: annual salmon run · annual grape harvest · school year cycle · liturgical year. Each addition requires: concept definition · template positions · language pairs.


PART 5 — Multi-Line Templates

Use when the concept involves a change or transition between states (Q2 = YES) and is neither cyclical nor directional (Q3 = NO).


Q4 — Character of the Change

Q4  How does the change OCCUR?


   A  INSTANTLY — no perceptible transition period

      (the change is perceived as instantaneous)

      → INSTANT (I) family → go to Q5


   B  GRADUALLY — with DISTINCT and IDENTIFIABLE

      STAGES; the transition has a clear beginning

      and a clear end (perceptible duration)

      → GRADUAL DISCRETE-STAGES family → go to Q5


   C  CONTINUOUSLY and GRADUALLY — a smooth curve

      with no identifiable discrete stages

      → CURVE (C) family → go to Q5


   D  INSTANT ONSET then GRADUAL return

      (spikes instantly to a peak, then curves

       gradually back to baseline)

      → ITGCV / ITGCVI family (proposed) → go to Q5


   E  GRADUAL onset then INSTANT crash or recovery

      (builds gradually to a peak, then drops

       instantly back to baseline)

      → GTICV / GTICVI family (proposed) → go to Q5



Q5 — Reversibility

Q5  Is the change REVERSIBLE?

    (Can it return to the original state?)


    IF YES → TEMPORARY (T) → go to Q6-T

    IF NO  → PERMANENT (P) → go to Q6-P



Q6-T — Temporary Template Selection

For INSTANT TEMPORARY (Q4 = A):


   Q6-T-A  Does the concept represent a departure

           from a positive norm — generally viewed

           as negative from the baseline?


           IF NO  → IT5L  ✓

                    (Instant Temporary 5 Lines)

           IF YES → IT5LI ✓

                    (Instant Temporary 5 Lines

                     Inverted)



For GRADUAL DISCRETE-STAGES TEMPORARY (Q4 = B):


   Q6-T-B  Does the concept represent a departure

           from a positive norm?


           IF NO  → GT5L  ✓

                    (Gradual Temporary 5 Lines)

           IF YES → GT5LI ✓

                    (Gradual Temporary 5 Lines

                     Inverted)



For CONTINUOUS CURVE TEMPORARY (Q4 = C):


   Q6-T-C  What is the dominant LINGUISTIC METAPHOR

           for this concept?


           IF UPWARD (escalates · mounts · rises ·

              builds · heightens · intensifies)

           → GTCV  ✓

             (Gradual Temporary Curve)

             NOTE: use GTCV even when the peak

             state is negative in value, provided

             the dominant metaphor is upward.


           IF DOWNWARD (worsens · descends ·

              falls from · deteriorates · declines)

           → GTCVI ✓

             (Gradual Temporary Curve Inverted)

             Use when the positive norm is the high

             point and the concept represents a

             downward departure from it.


             THEN select variant:

             → GTCVI-Wide  if the negative state

               is sustained or prolonged

               (e.g. serious illness, deep recession)

             → GTCVI-Shallow  if the negative state

               is brief or minor (e.g. minor setback,

               temporary discomfort)

             → Default to GTCVI-Wide if uncertain.

             ⚠ Phonographic: only Wide currently exists

               (ROM-GTCVI-Generic.html). Shallow is planned.


           IF BOTH upward and downward metaphors

              are in common use for this concept:

           → Assign BOTH GTCV and GTCVI

             Note in the concept card:

             "Dual metaphor — both templates apply"

             (A combined dual-metaphor template is

             proposed for future development.)



For INSTANT-ONSET GRADUAL-RETURN TEMPORARY (Q4 = D):


   → ITGCV  ○ (proposed)

     (Instant Temporary Gradual Curve)

     Use for: sudden onset → gradual recovery

     e.g. Pain from injury


   → ITGCVI ○ (proposed)

     (Instant Temporary Gradual Curve Inverted)

     Use for: sudden drop → gradual recovery

     e.g. Sudden loss of confidence



For GRADUAL-ONSET INSTANT-CRASH TEMPORARY (Q4 = E):


   → GTICV  ○ (proposed)

     (Gradual Temporary Instant-return Curve)

     Use for: gradual build → instant crash

     e.g. Economic bubble


   → GTICVI ○ (proposed)

     (Gradual Temporary Instant-return Curve Inverted)

     Use for: gradual descent → instant recovery

     e.g. Gradual worsening suddenly resolved



Q6-P — Permanent Template Selection

Q6-P-0  What is the DIRECTION of the permanent change?


         FROM a lower or negative state

         TO a higher or positive state → POSITIVE (P)


         FROM a higher or positive state

         TO a lower or negative state  → NEGATIVE (N)



For INSTANT PERMANENT (Q4 = A):


   POSITIVE → IP3LP  ✓

              (Instant Permanent 3 Lines Positive)

              e.g. A photograph taken (did not exist →

                   now exists permanently)


   NEGATIVE → IP3LN  ✓

              (Instant Permanent 3 Lines Negative)

              e.g. A glass breaking (whole →

                   instantly broken permanently)



For GRADUAL DISCRETE-STAGES PERMANENT (Q4 = B):


   POSITIVE → GP3LP  ✓

              (Gradual Permanent 3 Lines Positive)

              e.g. Concrete setting: liquid →

                   setting (gradual) → permanently solid


   NEGATIVE → GP3LN  ✓

              (Gradual Permanent 3 Lines Negative)

              ⚠ RARE — verify all three conditions:

              1. A SUDDEN TRIGGER starts the transition

              2. The transitional phase has PERCEPTIBLE

                 DURATION (can be witnessed unfolding)

              3. A SUDDEN ENDPOINT concludes the transition

              If any condition is absent → use GPCVN instead.

              e.g. Tyre puncture: inflated → deflating

                   (minutes) → flat



For CONTINUOUS CURVE PERMANENT (Q4 = C):


   POSITIVE → GPCVP  ✓

              (Gradual Permanent Curve Positive)

              Use for smooth continuous improvement

              with no sudden trigger or endpoint.

              e.g. Gradual recovery from illness;

                   progressive skill acquisition


   NEGATIVE → GPCVN  ✓

              (Gradual Permanent Curve Negative)

              Use for smooth continuous decline

              with no sudden trigger or endpoint.

              THIS IS THE DEFAULT for most permanent

              deterioration — do not use GP3LN unless

              all three conditions above are confirmed.

              e.g. Ageing of an object;

                   environmental degradation;

                   gradual hearing loss



For INSTANT-ONSET GRADUAL-CHANGE PERMANENT (Q4 = D):


   → IPGCVP  ○ (proposed)

     (Instant Permanent Gradual Curve Positive)

     e.g. Operation instantly removes a problem →

          gradual permanent improvement follows


   → IPGCVN  ○ (proposed)

     (Instant Permanent Gradual Curve Negative)

     e.g. Brain injury → gradual permanent decline



PART 6 — Vocabulary Collection and Ordering


6.1 Overview of the Vocabulary Workflow

Once the correct template has been identified (Parts 1–5), AI follows a three-stage vocabulary workflow:

STAGE A — IDENTIFY

  Collect vocabulary items relevant to the concept

  in both the Target Language (TL) and Source Language (SL).

  Determine which Interaction Mode applies:

  States · Transitions · Collocation (or a combination).


STAGE B — ORDER

  Arrange vocabulary items along two axes:

  · x-axis: progression in time or sequence (left → right)

  · y-axis: degree or intensity (down → up)

  Determine the polarity of each axis for the given concept.


STAGE C — ASSIGN

  Place each ordered vocabulary item at its correct

  template position.

  Add an example sentence for each item.

  Flag any positions that cannot be filled.



6.2 Stage A — Identifying Vocabulary

6.2.1 Interaction Modes

Each concept card specifies one or more Interaction Modes. Collect vocabulary accordingly.

STATES MODE  (primary mode for most concepts)

  Collect: nouns · adjectives · adverbs

  These describe WHAT SOMETHING IS at each template position.

  e.g. For freshness of bread:

       fresh · going stale · stale · inedible


TRANSITIONS MODE  (for concepts with significant verb content)

  Collect: verbs · verb phrases

  These describe WHAT HAPPENS or WHAT IS DONE

  at or between template positions.

  e.g. For stages of bread-making:

       mix · knead · prove · shape · bake · cool


COLLOCATION MODE  (for adverbs of degree, comparatives,

                   sufficiency — see Section 6.6)

  Collect: grammatical patterns showing how vocabulary

  items combine with other words.

  e.g. For adverbs of degree:

       very + hot · slightly + cold · not warm + enough


6.2.2 What to Collect

For each template position, collect:

1. The PRIMARY VOCABULARY ITEM

   The word or phrase that most naturally fits this position.

   Prioritise single words if available; use phrases where

   a single word does not exist or is not natural.


2. VARIANT EXPRESSIONS (optional)

   Alternative words or phrases that native speakers

   also use at this position.

   Note cultural or register variations.


3. AN EXAMPLE SENTENCE

   A short, natural sentence using the vocabulary item

   in context. See Section 6.7 for sentence guidelines.


6.2.3 Authenticity and Naturalness

IF a word or phrase is found in dictionaries but is

   rarely used by native speakers in natural speech

→ flag it as [FORMAL] or [RARE] and prefer

  a more natural alternative


IF the concept does not map cleanly to a single word

   in the target language

→ use a phrase; note the absence of a single-word

  equivalent in the concept card Notes field


IF the vocabulary item carries strong cultural

   associations in the target language

→ note this in the concept card Notes field

  and check appropriateness for the learner context


IF no natural vocabulary exists for a template position

   in the target language

→ see Section 6.9: Handling Incomplete Vocabulary



6.3 Stage B — Ordering Vocabulary

6.3.1 The x-axis — Progression in Time or Sequence

The x-axis runs left to right and represents:

RULES FOR x-AXIS ORDERING:


1. Place the STARTING STATE at the leftmost position.

   For concepts involving deterioration: the positive

   original state is on the left.

   For concepts involving improvement: the negative

   original state is on the left.


2. Place the FINAL STATE at the rightmost position.


3. For CYCLICAL templates: order items in the natural

   sequence of the cycle, starting at the culturally

   conventional beginning point for the target language.

   e.g. Days of the Week: Monday-first for most European

   languages; check target language convention.


4. For INSTANTANEOUS changes (IT / IP templates):

   the before-state is left; the after-state is right;

   the moment of change sits at the transition boundary.


6.3.2 The y-axis — Degree or Intensity

The y-axis runs bottom to top and represents:

Following the Conceptionary graphic convention: Positive = up · Negative = down

RULES FOR y-AXIS ORDERING:


1. For STANDARD templates (not inverted):

   Place the MOST POSITIVE or MOST DEVELOPED state

   at the TOP.

   Place the MOST NEGATIVE or LEAST DEVELOPED state

   at the BOTTOM.


2. For INVERTED templates (IT5LI · GT5LI · GTCVI):

   The POSITIVE NORM is at the TOP.

   Departure from the norm moves DOWNWARD.

   The most extreme negative state is at the BOTTOM.


3. For BELL CURVE templates (GTCV · GPCVP as peak):

   The OPTIMAL MIDPOINT is at the PEAK.

   Both extremes (too little and too much) are lower.


4. For DIAGONAL templates:

   UP-RIGHT = increasing in both time and degree

   DOWN-RIGHT = decreasing in degree as time passes


5. For VERTICAL LINE templates:

   TOP = highest degree or most positive

   BOTTOM = lowest degree or most negative


6.3.3 Determining Polarity

Before ordering, establish which end of the spectrum is positive and which is negative for this concept.

Q-ORD1  Which state would a typical speaker describe

        as the DESIRED, NORMAL, or POSITIVE state?


        That state → TOP or RIGHT of the template

                     (or LEFT, if it is the starting point

                      before a positive change)


        Its opposite → BOTTOM or LEFT of the template


        IF the concept has NO inherently positive or

        negative pole (a neutral spectrum):

        → apply the conventional direction for that

          concept type (e.g. small → large for size;

          quiet → loud for volume)

          and note the neutrality in the concept card.



6.4 Stage C — Assigning Vocabulary to Template Positions

6.4.1 Three-Line Templates (GP3L · IP3L)

These templates have exactly three positions:

LINE 1  —  THE ORIGINAL STATE

  The state BEFORE the transition begins.

  For GP3LP / IP3LP: a negative or low state.

  For GP3LN / IP3LN: a positive or high state.

  Vocabulary: describes what things ARE at the start.


LINE 2  —  THE TRANSITIONAL STATE

  The state DURING the process of change.

  For GP3L: this phase has perceptible duration.

  For IP3L: this phase is instantaneous —

             use vocabulary for the moment of change.

  Vocabulary: describes the PROCESS or MOMENT.

  For Transitions Mode: this line carries verb vocabulary.


LINE 3  —  THE NEW STATE

  The state AFTER the transition is complete.

  Permanent — cannot return to Line 1.

  For GP3LP / IP3LP: a positive or high state.

  For GP3LN / IP3LN: a negative or low state.

  Vocabulary: describes what things ARE after change.


ASSIGNMENT EXAMPLE (GP3LN — freshness of bread):

  Line 1: fresh · The bread is fresh.

  Line 2: going stale · The bread is going stale.

  Line 3: stale · The bread is stale and inedible.


6.4.2 Five-Line Templates (GT5L · IT5L · GT5LI · IT5LI)

These templates have exactly five positions (levels):

For STANDARD templates (GT5L · IT5L):


  Level 1  —  Most negative / least developed / lowest

  Level 2  —  Below middle

  Level 3  —  Middle / neutral

  Level 4  —  Above middle

  Level 5  —  Most positive / most developed / highest


For INVERTED templates (GT5LI · IT5LI):


  Level 1  —  Normal positive baseline

  Level 2  —  Slight departure from normal

  Level 3  —  Moderate departure from normal

  Level 4  —  Significant departure from normal

  Level 5  —  Most extreme negative state


ASSIGNMENT EXAMPLE (GT5L — level of difficulty):

  Level 1: very easy · This is very easy.

  Level 2: easy · This is easy.

  Level 3: moderate · This is moderately difficult.

  Level 4: difficult · This is difficult.

  Level 5: very difficult · This is very difficult.


ASSIGNMENT EXAMPLE (GT5LI — fatigue):

  Level 1: rested / alert · I feel fully rested.

  Level 2: slightly tired · I am a little tired.

  Level 3: tired · I am tired.

  Level 4: very tired · I am very tired.

  Level 5: exhausted · I am completely exhausted.


6.4.3 Curve Templates (GTCV · GTCVI · GPCVP · GPCVN)

Curve templates have a variable number of positions (typically 5–7), defined by the concept's natural gradations along the arc.

For GTCV (upward-escalating curve, temporary):


  LEFT ANCHOR   —  Baseline / normal state

  ASCENDING 1   —  Slight escalation

  ASCENDING 2   —  Moderate escalation (optional)

  PEAK          —  Maximum state

  DESCENDING 1  —  Reducing from peak (optional)

  DESCENDING 2  —  Further reduction (optional)

  RIGHT ANCHOR  —  Return to baseline


For GTCVI (downward from positive norm, temporary):


  TOP ANCHOR    —  Positive norm (highest/best state)

  DESCENDING 1  —  Slight departure from norm

  DESCENDING 2  —  Moderate departure (optional)

  TROUGH        —  Most negative state

  ASCENDING 1   —  Partial recovery (optional)

  ASCENDING 2   —  Further recovery (optional)

  TOP ANCHOR    —  Return to positive norm


For GPCVP / GPCVN (permanent curves):

  Same structure as GTCV / GTCVI respectively,

  but the RIGHT ANCHOR is a new permanent state,

  NOT a return to the original baseline.


ASSIGNMENT EXAMPLE (GTCV — anger):

  Left anchor:  calm · I am calm.

  Ascending 1:  irritated · I am irritated.

  Ascending 2:  annoyed · I am quite annoyed.

  Peak:         furious · I am furious.

  Descending 1: cooling down · I am calming down.

  Right anchor: calm · I am calm again.


ASSIGNMENT EXAMPLE (GTCVI — severity of illness):

  Top anchor:   healthy · I feel well.

  Descending 1: slightly unwell · I am not quite right.

  Descending 2: unwell · I am unwell.

  Trough:       very ill · I am very ill.

  Ascending 1:  improving · I am starting to improve.

  Top anchor:   recovered · I am well again.


6.4.4 Single Line Templates

Single line templates have a variable number of positions. Aim for 4–7 positions unless the concept's natural gradations dictate otherwise.

HORIZONTAL LINE — position vocabulary left to right

  following temporal or spatial sequence.

  Begin at the natural START of the spectrum.

  End at the natural CONCLUSION.


VERTICAL LINE — position vocabulary bottom to top

  following degree or quality.

  Begin at the LEAST / LOWEST at the bottom.

  End at the MOST / HIGHEST at the top.


DIAGONAL LINE UP — position vocabulary lower-left to upper-right.

  Begin at the LOWEST DEGREE at the earliest time.

  End at the HIGHEST DEGREE at the latest time.


DIAGONAL LINE DOWN — position vocabulary upper-left to lower-right.

  Begin at the HIGHEST DEGREE at the earliest time.

  End at the LOWEST DEGREE at the latest time.


ASSIGNMENT EXAMPLE (Vertical Line — adverbs of degree):

  Bottom:   not at all · not at all tired

  Level 2:  slightly · slightly tired

  Level 3:  quite · quite tired

  Level 4:  very · very tired

  Top:      extremely · extremely tired


ASSIGNMENT EXAMPLE (Diagonal Line Up — degree of toasting):

  Lower-left: raw / untoasted · The bread is untoasted.

  Middle:     lightly toasted · It is lightly toasted.

  Upper-middle: just right · It is perfectly toasted.

  Upper-right: overdone / burned · It is burned.


6.4.5 Cyclical Templates

Cyclical templates have a fixed number of positions determined by the template design.

RULES FOR CYCLICAL ASSIGNMENT:


1. Follow the NATURAL SEQUENCE of the cycle.

   Do not reorder items to fit a preference for

   positive-first or negative-first.


2. Use the CULTURALLY CONVENTIONAL STARTING POINT

   for the target language.

   e.g. DOW: Monday-first is conventional in most

   European languages; consult target language norms.


3. Name EACH PHASE specifically.

   Avoid generic labels where named phases exist

   in the target language.

   e.g. Do not use "Phase 1, Phase 2" if the target

   language has specific named phases for the lunar cycle.


4. For AGRICULTURAL and ECOLOGICAL cycles:

   Start at the beginning of the growing/natural year

   as conventionally understood in the target culture.


ASSIGNMENT EXAMPLE (Monthly Lunar Cycle):

  Position 1: new moon

  Position 2: waxing crescent

  Position 3: first quarter

  Position 4: waxing gibbous

  Position 5: full moon

  Position 6: waning gibbous

  Position 7: last quarter

  Position 8: waning crescent

  [returns to Position 1]



6.5 Language-Specific Considerations

6.5.1 Structural Divergence

Some concepts require structurally different vocabulary in different languages. Before collecting vocabulary, check the concept card's DIVERGENCE FLAG.

IF DIVERGENCE FLAG = N

→ Collect vocabulary following the standard structure

  for this template type.


IF DIVERGENCE FLAG = Y

→ Read the STRUCTURAL DIVERGENCE NOTE on the concept card.

  The target language may require:

  · A different number of vocabulary items per position

  · A different grammatical structure at some positions

  · Multiple concept cards where English uses one


EXAMPLE — Japanese clothing verbs:

  English concept card: one card, three positions

  (put on · wear · take off) applying to all clothing.


  Japanese requires separate vocabulary sets by body zone:

  Card JA-A (upper body): 着る · 着ている · 脱ぐ

  Card JA-B (lower body/feet): 履く · 履いている · 脱ぐ

  Card JA-C (head): 被る · 被っている · 脱ぐ

  Card JA-D (accessories): する/つける · している · はずす


  → AI generates four separate vocabulary sets,

    each linked to the same meta-concept.


6.5.2 Phonographic vs Logographic Display

For PHONOGRAPHIC languages (Latin alphabet):

  Each template position carries two vocabulary layers:

  Layer 1: Target Language (TL) vocabulary item

  Layer 2: Source Language (SL) vocabulary item


For LOGOGRAPHIC languages (non-Latin script):

  Each template position carries three vocabulary layers:

  Layer 1: Romanisation of TL (e.g. Hepburn for Japanese)

  Layer 2: Target Language (TL) in native script

  Layer 3: Source Language (SL) vocabulary item


  For Japanese: provide Hepburn romanisation at Layer 1.

  For Chinese:  provide Pinyin romanisation at Layer 1.

  For Thai:     provide [romanisation standard TBD] at Layer 1.


6.5.3 Cultural Vocabulary Gaps

IF a concept exists in English but has no equivalent

   in the target language:

→ Note [NO DIRECT EQUIVALENT] at that position.

→ Provide the closest available expression.

→ Add a cultural note in the concept card Notes field.


IF a concept is expressed more finely in the target

   language than in English (more vocabulary items

   than template positions):

→ Select the items that best represent the concept's

   gradations.

→ Note the additional vocabulary in the concept card

   Notes field for future reference.


IF a concept is expressed more coarsely in the target

   language than in English (fewer vocabulary items

   than template positions):

→ Fill what is available.

→ Mark unfilled positions as [NO EQUIVALENT].

→ Flag for editorial review.



6.6 Collocation Mode Vocabulary

Collocation Mode applies to three vocabulary categories: adverbs of degree · comparatives and superlatives · sufficiency. In Collocation Mode the vocabulary item at each position is a GRAMMATICAL PATTERN, not a single word.

6.6.1 Adverbs of Degree

PATTERN: [adverb] + [adjective]  OR  [adverb] + [adverb]


For each position on the template, provide:

  · The adverb in isolation

  · The adverb combined with a representative adjective

  · An example sentence using both


ASSIGNMENT EXAMPLE (Vertical Line — adverbs of degree):

  Position 1: not at all

    Pattern:   not at all + [adjective]

    Example:   The soup is not at all hot.


  Position 2: slightly

    Pattern:   slightly + [adjective]

    Example:   The soup is slightly warm.


  Position 3: quite

    Pattern:   quite + [adjective]

    Example:   The soup is quite hot.


  Position 4: very

    Pattern:   very + [adjective]

    Example:   The soup is very hot.


  Position 5: extremely

    Pattern:   extremely + [adjective]

    Example:   The soup is extremely hot.


NOTE: "too" is not simply the top of the scale —

it implies excess beyond the optimal. If "too" is

included, it should sit ABOVE the peak in a bell curve

display, not as the final point of a simple gradient.


6.6.2 Comparatives and Superlatives

PATTERNS:

  Comparative:  [adjective]-er / more [adjective] + than

  Equality:     as + [adjective] + as

  Superlative:  the + [adjective]-est / most [adjective] + of/in


For each position on the template, provide:

  · The grammatical form

  · The form applied to a representative adjective

  · An example sentence


ASSIGNMENT EXAMPLE (Vertical Line — comparatives):

  Position 1: the least / the worst

    Pattern:   the least + [adjective] + of all

    Example:   This is the least warm room of all.


  Position 2: less / worse

    Pattern:   less + [adjective] + than

    Example:   This room is less warm than the kitchen.


  Position 3: as … as (equal)

    Pattern:   as + [adjective] + as

    Example:   This room is as warm as the kitchen.


  Position 4: more / better

    Pattern:   more + [adjective] + than

    Example:   This room is warmer than the kitchen.


  Position 5: the most / the best

    Pattern:   the most + [adjective] + of all

    Example:   This is the warmest room of all.


NOTE: Different languages form comparatives differently.

German uses inflected endings (-er, -ste);

Japanese uses particles and set phrases.

Generate the grammatically correct patterns for the

target language — do not translate English patterns directly.


6.6.3 Sufficiency

PATTERNS:

  Not enough:   not + [adjective] + enough

  Just enough:  [adjective] + enough

  Too much:     too + [adjective]

  Far too much: far too + [adjective]


These map to a BELL CURVE (GTCV) template,

with the optimal midpoint at "just right / enough":


  Left anchor:  not nearly + [adjective] + enough

  Ascending:    not quite + [adjective] + enough

  Peak:         [adjective] + enough / just right

  Descending:   a little too + [adjective]

  Right anchor: far too + [adjective]


ASSIGNMENT EXAMPLE (GTCV — water temperature for tea):

  Left anchor:  not nearly hot enough · The water is not

                nearly hot enough to make tea.

  Ascending:    not quite hot enough · It is not quite

                hot enough yet.

  Peak:         hot enough · The water is hot enough.

  Descending:   a little too hot · It is a little too hot.

  Right anchor: far too hot · The water is far too hot.



6.7 Example Sentences

Every vocabulary item at every template position requires an example sentence in both TL and SL.

SENTENCE GUIDELINES:


1. LENGTH

   Keep sentences short — one clause where possible.

   Target: 5–12 words.

   Longer sentences may be needed for complex grammar.


2. NATURALNESS

   Use sentences that a native speaker would actually say.

   Avoid textbook-artificial sentences.

   Prefer sentences connected to the concept's

   primary location tags where practical.

   e.g. For freshness of bread (location: kitchen):

        "The bread in the bin is fresh."

        NOT: "The object is in a state of freshness."


3. VOCABULARY IN CONTEXT

   The vocabulary item should appear in the sentence

   in its natural grammatical form.

   For verbs: conjugate appropriately.

   For adjectives: decline or inflect as required

   by the target language grammar.


4. TENSE CONVENTION

   Use PRESENT TENSE as the default unless the concept

   is inherently past or future.

   For Transitions Mode: use the form that best

   describes the action at that template position.


5. SUBJECT CONVENTION

   For general concepts: use a generic subject

   ("the bread", "the water", "the patient").

   For personal/bodily concepts: use first person

   ("I am tired", "I feel pain").

   For social/relational concepts: use third person or

   interpersonal framing as appropriate.


EXAMPLE SENTENCES BY MODE:


States Mode:

  Item: stale  (Line 3, GP3LN — freshness of bread)

  TL sentence: Das Brot ist altbacken.

  SL sentence: The bread is stale.


Transitions Mode:

  Item: going stale  (Line 2, GP3LN — freshness of bread)

  TL sentence: Das Brot wird altbacken.

  SL sentence: The bread is going stale.


Collocation Mode:

  Item: very + hot  (adverbs of degree)

  TL sentence: Die Suppe ist sehr heiß.

  SL sentence: The soup is very hot.



6.8 Vocabulary Quality Checklist

Before finalising vocabulary for a concept card, verify each of the following:

COVERAGE

□ Every template position has at least one vocabulary item

□ Both TL and SL vocabulary are provided at each position

□ An example sentence is provided for each item (in both TL and SL)


GRADATION

□ There is a smooth, logical progression between positions

□ No two adjacent positions use the same or near-identical items

□ The full range of the concept is represented —

  not only the extremes


DIRECTION

□ The ordering is consistent with the template's polarity

  (positive = up/right; negative = down/left)

□ For inverted templates: the normal state is correctly

  positioned at the top / left anchor


AUTHENTICITY

□ All vocabulary items are naturally used by native speakers

□ No items are marked [FORMAL] or [RARE] without a

  more natural alternative being unavailable

□ No items are direct translations that would sound

  unnatural in the target language


LANGUAGE-SPECIFIC

□ Structural divergence has been checked and handled

□ Logographic languages have romanisation at Layer 1

□ Culturally absent concepts are flagged [NO EQUIVALENT]

□ Grammatical agreement is correct

  (gender, case, tense, person as required)


COLLOCATION MODE (where applicable)

□ Patterns are grammatically complete

□ Patterns are applied to a representative adjective/adverb

□ The "too" position is on the EXCESS side of the peak,

  not as the top of a simple gradient


EXAMPLE SENTENCES

□ All sentences are short and natural

□ Sentences use present tense unless otherwise indicated

□ Vocabulary item appears in its natural grammatical form

□ Sentences are contextually appropriate to the

  concept's primary location tags



6.9 Handling Incomplete Vocabulary

IF vocabulary cannot be found for a template position:


STEP 1  Mark the position as [PLACEHOLDER]

        Do not leave positions empty without flagging.


STEP 2  Note the reason:

        [NO EQUIVALENT] — no natural expression exists

                          in the target language

        [SPECIALIST]    — requires specialist knowledge

                          (medical, legal, agricultural etc.)

        [CULTURAL GAP]  — concept does not exist in the

                          target culture

        [NEEDS REVIEW]  — AI is uncertain; human review needed


STEP 3  Populate surrounding positions as fully as possible.


STEP 4  Set concept card status to [AI-GENERATED — INCOMPLETE]

        and route to editorial review.


STEP 5  Note in the concept card Notes field:

        which positions are incomplete and why.


IF fewer than half the template positions can be filled:

→ Do not publish the concept card to the library.

→ Flag as [INCOMPLETE — AWAITING VOCABULARY].

→ Notify the editorial team.



6.10 Editorial Review Pathway

All AI-generated vocabulary passes through editorial review before entering the Library.

STEP 1  AI GENERATES DRAFT

  AI generates vocabulary, orders items, assigns to

  positions, and writes example sentences.

  Sets concept card status: [AI-GENERATED]


STEP 2  AUTOMATED QUALITY CHECK

  System runs the checklist from Section 6.8.

  Any failed items are flagged automatically.

  If critical failures exist (coverage < 50%):

  → route immediately to editorial team.


STEP 3  EDITORIAL REVIEW

  Human editor reviews:

  · Authenticity of all vocabulary items

  · Correctness of ordering and position assignment

  · Accuracy and naturalness of example sentences

  · Appropriateness for the learner audience

  · Language-specific accuracy (grammar, register,

    cultural fit)


STEP 4  OUTCOME


  IF approved:

  → Concept card status: [LIBRARY]

  → Card becomes available to learners


  IF changes required:

  → Editor notes specific corrections

  → AI revises and resubmits

  → Returns to Step 3


  IF specialist input required:

  → Card flagged as [AWAITING SPECIALIST REVIEW]

  → Held pending input from a language expert


STEP 5  ONGOING MAINTENANCE

  Learners may flag vocabulary as incorrect or unnatural.

  Flagged cards return to editorial review.

  Corrections are versioned — the original AI draft

  is retained for reference.



6.11 Extensibility Notes for Part 6

When new Interaction Modes are added beyond States, Transitions, and Collocation, add a new subsection to Section 6.6 following the same format.

When new template types are built (e.g. ITGCV, Wheat), add position-assignment instructions to Section 6.4 following the same format as existing entries.

When new language pairs are added, update: · Section 6.5.2 (romanisation standard for new script) · Section 6.5.3 (any known cultural vocabulary gaps) · The writing system table in Part 1


APPENDIX A — Complete Template Index

Code

Full name

Type

Status

Horizontal

Horizontal Line

Single line

✓

Vertical

Vertical Line

Single line

✓

Diagonal Up

Diagonal Line — Upward

Single line

✓

Diagonal Down

Diagonal Line — Downward

Single line

✓

IT5L

Instant Temporary 5 Lines

Multi-line

✓

IT5LI

Instant Temporary 5 Lines Inverted

Multi-line

✓

IP3LP

Instant Permanent 3 Lines Positive

Multi-line

✓

IP3LN

Instant Permanent 3 Lines Negative

Multi-line

✓

GT5L

Gradual Temporary 5 Lines

Multi-line

✓

GT5LI

Gradual Temporary 5 Lines Inverted

Multi-line

✓

GP3LP

Gradual Permanent 3 Lines Positive

Multi-line

✓

GP3LN

Gradual Permanent 3 Lines Negative

Multi-line

✓

GTCV

Gradual Temporary Curve

Multi-line

✓

GTCVI-Wide

Gradual Temporary Curve Inverted — Wide

Multi-line

✓

GTCVI-Shallow

Gradual Temporary Curve Inverted — Shallow

Multi-line

◐

GPCVP

Gradual Permanent Curve Positive

Multi-line

✓

GPCVN

Gradual Permanent Curve Negative

Multi-line

✓

ITGCV

Instant Temporary Gradual Curve

Multi-line

○

ITGCVI

Instant Temporary Gradual Curve Inverted

Multi-line

○

GTICV

Gradual Temporary Instant-return Curve

Multi-line

○

GTICVI

Gradual Temporary Instant-return Curve Inverted

Multi-line

○

IPGCVP

Instant Permanent Gradual Curve Positive

Multi-line

○

IPGCVN

Instant Permanent Gradual Curve Negative

Multi-line

○

Clock

Clock — Time of Day

Cyclical

◐

TTT

Telling the Time

Cyclical

◐

POD

Parts of the Day

Cyclical

◐

TidalD

Daily Tidal Cycle

Cyclical

◐

DOW

Days of the Week

Cyclical

◐

Lunar

Monthly Lunar Cycle

Cyclical

◐

TidalM

Monthly Tidal Cycle

Cyclical

◐

Menstrual

Monthly Menstrual Cycle

Cyclical

◐

MOY

Months of the Year

Cyclical

◐

Seasons-T

Seasons of the Year — Temperate Zones

Cyclical

◐

Seasons-W

Seasons of the Year — Wet Tropics

Cyclical

◐

Rice

Annual Rice-Growing Cycle

Cyclical

✓

Wheat

Annual Wheat-Growing Cycle

Cyclical

○

Compass

Compass Points

Directional

◐

Steering

Direction of Travel — Driving

Directional

◐


APPENDIX B — Key Distinctions for AI

Common decision points where errors are likely.

GP3LN vs GPCVN GP3LN requires all three: sudden trigger + perceptible gradual transition + sudden endpoint. If any is absent, use GPCVN. GP3LN is rare. GPCVN is the default for most permanent decline.

GTCV vs GTCVI Both are continuous curves and both are temporary. GTCV: dominant linguistic metaphor is UPWARD (escalates, rises, mounts) — even when the peak is a negative state. GTCVI: dominant linguistic metaphor is DOWNWARD (worsens, descends, falls from a positive norm). When both metaphors are in common use: assign both templates.

GTCVI-Wide vs GTCVI-Shallow Both are inverted bell curves (descend from positive norm, return to baseline). GTCVI-Wide: the trough is broad and sustained — the low period extends across a significant portion of the curve. Use for concepts where the negative state persists for a meaningful duration before recovery begins. Examples: serious illness, deep recession, prolonged grief. GTCVI-Shallow: the trough is brief and the return to baseline is rapid. Use for concepts where the negative state is short-lived or minor. Examples: minor setback, brief dip in mood, temporary discomfort. When uncertain, prefer GTCVI-Wide — it accommodates both brief and sustained troughs through vocabulary positioning. Note: Phonographic track currently has only GTCVI-Wide (ROM-GTCVI-Generic.html). The Shallow phonographic variant is planned but not yet created.

GT5L vs GTCV Both are temporary and gradual. GT5L: the change has DISTINCT IDENTIFIABLE STAGES (discrete levels). GTCV: the change is SMOOTH and CONTINUOUS (no discrete stages).

IP3LN vs GP3LN Both are permanent negative 3-line templates. IP3LN: the transition is INSTANTANEOUS (perceived). GP3LN: the transition has PERCEPTIBLE DURATION (minutes or longer). e.g. Glass breaking → IP3LN. Tyre deflating → GP3LN.

Clock vs Telling the Time vs Parts of the Day Clock: reading the clock face (what time does it show?). TTT: the language expressions used to say what time it is. POD: the named segments of the day as experienced.

Compass vs Steering Compass: ABSOLUTE direction (geographic — which way is North?). Steering: RELATIVE direction (to a vehicle — turn left/right?).

Seasons — Temperate vs Wet Tropics Determine by the climate zone of the target language's primary geographic context, not by the learner's location.


APPENDIX C — Extensibility Protocol

How to add new content to this guide.

Adding a new template:

Adding a new cyclical template:

Adding a new language pair:

Adding a new writing system:


APPENDIX D — Document Version History

Version

Date

Changes

1.0

June 2026

Initial compilation. All parts except Part 6 (Vocabulary). Includes single line, cyclical, directional, and multi-line template decision trees. Proposed asymmetric templates noted.

1.1

June 2026

Part 6 completed: vocabulary collection and ordering instructions. Covers Stages A–C (Identify / Order / Assign), all template position structures, language-specific handling, Collocation Mode (adverbs of degree, comparatives, sufficiency), example sentence guidelines, quality checklist, incomplete vocabulary protocol, editorial review pathway, and extensibility notes.

—

—

Annual Wheat-Growing Cycle template — to be built

—

—

ITGCV · ITGCVI · GTICV · GTICVI — to be built

—

—

IPGCVP · IPGCVN — to be built

—

—

Part 6 position-assignment entries for proposed templates — to be added when templates are built