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UESPWiki:Archive/CP Tamrielic Dictionary actually a Dictionary

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This is an archive of past UESPWiki:Community Portal discussions. Do not edit the contents of this page, except for maintenance such as updating links.

Tamrielic Dictionary actually a Dictionary

I would like to begin working on the dictionary section of Tamriel (that is, each individual entry), to create an actual dictionary out of such, as opposed to it's current format of a mere short-hand article compilation. In effect, it would appear like so with the Khajiit entry (this would not be the Khajiit entry, as I am throwing this together solely as an example so that you will be better able to grasp what I am suggesting):

Khajiit
[caw-JEET] -noun
1. Intelligent, multi-formed race of feline creatures.
2. The title given to the native inhabitants of Elsweyr by other races.
3. Ta'Agra name meaning "Desert Walker".

See: Lore:Khajiit

This would be a large undertaking, and would require the aid of a few other members (apart from myself), thus, I would like some input on the suggestion ere I attempt it. I suggest it primarily as the information in the current "dictionary" can be found on other article pages themselves (most notably as the majority of the current entries are mere transclusions), not to count, it would better fit the appellation of dictionary. -- Booyah boy 00:03, 29 August 2006 (EDT)


I agree, I think making the Tamrielic Dictionary an actual dictionary would be very nice. Allow me to give my suggestions to the above with first a sample entry, and then a couple bullet points:


Imperial – [im-peer-ee-uhl]

–noun
  1. The diplomatic people native to the province of Cyrodiil.
  2. Pertaining to the empire or rule of the empire: The Imperial Legion, The Imperial City

And my bullet points:

  • I suggest that we use a spelled pronunciation key, not the IPA pronunciation key, because the IPA is too intensive for our purposes.
  • I created my sample with simplicity in mind. Simplicity, from my understanding, is one of the founding principles of UESP.
  • This method was inspired by http://dictionary.com. Check out their entry on the word "imperial".

I'm sorry that I don't have much input on this, but perhaps some other members can enlighten us with their thoughts. As I said before, I support this notion and I hope that we can improve upon our dictionary. --Aristeo 20:29, 29 August 2006 (EDT)

Sounds good; I heartily agree with the element of simplicity and the use of a spelled pronunciation guide as opposed to that of the International Phonetic's. Furthermore, I'd like to thank you for chiming in on this discussion.
Anyone else?
-- Booyah boy 09:16, 31 August 2006 (EDT)
Well, it doesn't appear as though there exists any opposition to such, thus, I will begin with the "A" section later this evening and see how it turns out (yes, I'm impatient).
Naturally, I would still welcome input on this subject. -- Booyah boy 05:04, 1 September 2006 (EDT)

I went ahead and posted the "actual dictionary format" page for "[[Lore:Dictionary A|A]]". Feedback on how it appears thus far would be appreciated. Kindly take note that I did not include any further entries in such than were already there (although I certainly shall), nor did I remove any pertinent information. -- Booyah boy 09:17, 1 September 2006 (EDT)

Do we really need pronunciation keys for words that exist outside of the context of the game? I can understand why people might have a problem with "Khajiit", but if you speak English and don't know how to pronounce "Imperial", you need to go back to school. Or maybe just watch Star Wars. Also, what do we do for words that have inconsistant pronunciations in the game? (Ayleid, Azura, Sheogorath, etc.) I'd say that both should be listed in those cases, even if one is perceived to be more "correct" than another. --TheRealLurlock 13:36, 1 September 2006 (EDT)
As regards pronunciation key for common words, I would suggest their continued inclusion, if only for the sake of continuity (that is, we will be providing them for Elder Scrolls only terms, hence, they ought to be available for others) and preservation of style.
The inconsistent pronunciation, however, is an issue to which I have yet to find a reputable solution. I would currenly maintain that the inclusion of both pronunciations would be best (as you noted), although there would be no harm in excluding those which are generally percieved as "wrong". -- Booyah boy 21:52, 1 September 2006 (EDT)

I just looked at some of the work you've been doing on this project, and it looks great! Keep up the good work! --Aristeo 10:28, 21 September 2006 (EDT)

Thanks, Artisteo. I have not found the time to get past "A" just yet, but it's on the top of my list of "things to do once I feel better". Kudos must be given to Actreal as well, who recently jumped in to contribute with the "A" section. -- Booyah boy 11:02, 21 September 2006 (EDT)
One minor comment on the dictionary entries. I just noticed that the word "Alchemy", for example, is set up as a link to Oblivion:Alchemy. It seems to me that the main entry should only be a link when it's to a Tamriel entry, or when the word is only used in a single game. In a case like this, where Alchemy has substantial pages under both Oblivion and Morrowind, it seems inappropriate to give preference to one of the games in the title. I think it's more appropriate to provide separate links to each of the pages in the entry (which is already being done). --Nephele 11:40, 21 September 2006 (EDT)