Endangered language dictionary software help
I’m working on a quadrilingual dictionary project of endangered languages and I’m currently trying to figure out the best software/workflow for managing it long term.
Right now, the dictionary is basically a large word list in Word format, but I want to move it into something more structured and sustainable — both for future editing/searching and eventually for turning it into a printed book.
The dictionary contains four languages side-by-side, and I’d ideally like:
- multiple language columns/fields
- the possibility to expand entries later
- relatively simple formatting
- good export/printing possibilities
- something that won’t become a nightmare once the database grows
I recently started trying to use SIL Toolbox because I heard it’s very flexible and commonly used for linguistic/dictionary work. But honestly, I’ve been struggling quite a bit with it:
- the interface feels very old
- formatting/customization is confusing
- font handling has been difficult
- importing and structuring data isn’t very intuitive
- documentation/support seems scattered
So I’m wondering:
- Is Toolbox still actually the best option for this kind of project nowadays?
- Would something like FLEx, Lexique Pro, or another program be better?
- What is generally the best workflow if the final goal is BOTH:
- maintaining a usable lexical database
- and eventually publishing it as a proper book/dictionary? - Is there anyone experienced with Toolbox (or dictionary-building software in general) who might be willing to help or point me in the right direction?
I’m especially interested in hearing from people who’ve worked on multilingual dictionaries, minority language documentation, or long-term lexicographic projects.
Any advice would be hugely appreciated.