FREELANG Dictionary - FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) |
How reliable are the dictionaries?
Why is it only for Windows?
When will you add whatever language that is still missing?
Can you translate something for me?
How can I improve a dictionary?
How can I create a new dictionary?
Can I help in some other way?
* * *
How reliable are the dictionaries? |
Question: I found some mistakes in the lists, and some words are missing, why?
Answer: Our dictionary is a modest and amateur project, based on voluntary contributions. Some dictionaries are highly reliable, with big word lists, and some are less developed. We may upload small dictionaries because it can encourage people to enrich the list.
Q. How do I know if a list is reliable?
A. Most of our lists are reliable, but we don't speak all languages and your feedback is also valuable to us. If you need a precise evaluation of a list (because you are a teacher and wish to use the dictionary with your students, for instance), please contact us and we will give you some detailed information.
Please note that we shall take no responsibility in the event of damages resulting from the presence of mistakes in word lists (see our terms of use).
Why is it only for Windows? |
Our dictionary was designed to run with Windows. For other systems, please note that all Freelang dictionaries are also available in an online version. For more sophisticated products or software for Palm, Pocket PC, etc., we heartily recommend these excellent dictionaries.
Q. Is there a version of the dictionary for Macintosh?
A. No, sorry. Sometimes I receive rude messages from Macintosh users, saying they are always forgotten and it's a shame there is no version for them. Please understand that Freelang is just a personal webpage and we can't spend all our time on it. If you want more freeware for Macintosh, you can also address your requests to the Macintosh community.
Q. Can I run Freelang dictionary on Linux?
A. Follow these steps (using Wine).
Installation:
wine dictionary_setup.exe (accept the default path)
Install the list by unzipping the zip files:
wine install.exe (accept the default path)
Run:
cd /usr/share/wine-c/Program\ Files/Dictionary/
wine "c:\Program Files\Dictionary\dict.exe"
Tested with Linux Redhat 7.3. It should work with any Linux system with a recent version of Wine.
When will you add whatever language that is still missing? |
Q. When will you make a Chinese (for instance) dictionary?
A. We don't make dictionaries ourselves. Freelang only relies on users' contributions. This is how the project works and that's why we may have a dictionary of a language spoken by a few thousand people and not a dictionary of a language spoken by millions of people.
Q. Do you have a Bambara (for instance) dictionary?
A. All the dictionaries we have are on the site. They can be found easily on our index page or by using the search engine at the top of each page. Please make sure you also check our Translation Software shop.
Can you translate something for me? |
Q. How do you say "Happy New Year" in Japanese?
A. You can find a few commonly used expressions (like Hello, I love you...) translated in many languages on this page.
Q. I have received a postcard in French, can you translate it for me?
A. We have created a Translation Help Service on Freelang which allows our visitors to contact a voluntary translator and ask their question. It is totally free and you don't even have to register or susbscribe to anything.
How can I improve a dictionary? |
Making a dictionary is a huge work, but you would be surprised to see how quickly you can reach a thousand words. When you learn a new language, our dictionary is a very handy tool to store some vocabulary, and you may feel like sharing this knowledge with Freelang users. Your name will always be mentioned and you will keep the copyright on the list, so we really mean "sharing" and not "giving away".
The dictionary program is very basic, but at least it is free and easy to use, and many different languages are available. Unlike many other free dictionaries on the Web, you don't have to get connected to look up a word: you can browse the list offline, and add your own personal translations. So it's very easy to improve a list or even start a new one.
Q. How can I edit a list?
A. Just click on a word, modify it and hit Enter key to validate. For more information about editing, adding or deleting entries, please refer to the Help file of the program (Help menu or F1 key).
Please note that the dictionary uses only one list (foreign language to English). The other list is a mirror of the first one, it is created when the dictionary is being installed. This is important to know, because it means that contributors only have to work on one list, not two.
Q. Once the list has been improved, how can I send it to you?
A. We need only one file, xxxx_English.wb (where xxxx is the name of a language), which can be found in the "language" subfolder. There are two files with the same name, one is in the "new" folder, it stores all your personal additions to the list, and the other, which is in the "language" folder, is the list itself. You can send us your files by email : webmaster at freelang.net, or contact us first by using this form.
How can I create a new dictionary? |
Q. How can I create a new word list, starting from scratch?
A. You can easily create a new dictionary by choosing "Create empty database" in the "File" menu of the main window. If you have any problem, though, just contact us and we will make an empty dictionary for you.
Q. I already have a word list, I made it with Excel. Is there a way to import it automatically into the dictionary or do I have to reenter each word?
A. Just send your file by email to: webmaster at freelang.net (as a zip file if possible). We will try to convert it for you, and, if you give us your authorization, we will also publish it on Freelang.
Can I help in some other way? |
Freelang is based on voluntary work, and we always need people to help us develop this project. There are many ways in which you can help us: registering as a voluntary translator, helping other people in our forum, submit new translations of commonly used expressions, etc.
Visiting our sponsors is also a way of contributing to Freelang, as our sponsors help us pay for the hosting and other services linked to the site. We try our best to choose sponsors who have good and interesting products, so please take the time to browse their site, you may find something that will be of interest for you.
Please note that English is not our mother tongue. If you notice any mistakes, please report them and we will correct them immediately.
Although we have a lot of ideas and not enough time to implement them, we would be delighted to hear about your suggestions or remarks to improve this site.
Thank you for having taken the time to read this FAQ.
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