# WeSay

> WeSay helps non-linguists build a dictionary in their own language. It incorporates ways to help native speakers to think of words in their language and enter some basic data. The program is customizable and task-oriented, giving the advisor the ability to turn on/off tasks as needed and as the user receives training for those tasks.

- **Slug:** `wesay`
- **Organization:** SIL International
- **Website:** https://software.sil.org/wesay/
- **HTML page:** https://www.tools.bible/tools/wesay
- **Markdown page:** https://www.tools.bible/tools/wesay.md

## Classification

- **Translation stages:** Language Development
- **Medium:** Written
- **Pricing:** Free (Unrestricted)
- **Release status:** General Availability
- **Integrations:** FieldWorks
- **Localization:** English
- **License:** MIT
- Developer expertise needed
- Linguistic expertise needed
- Offline capable

## Description

WeSay uses a standard XML format and can be automatically exchanged with linguist-oriented tools like [Fieldworks Language Explorer (FLEx)](https://software.sil.org/fieldworks). Users can collaborate via USB flash drive, email, and network connections.

## Additional details

### The need

Around the world, speakers of lesser-known languages are eager to develop their own languages. Part of that development will mean collecting stories for publication and developing dictionaries. In many cases, they are limited to working without the help of a computer. This is a difficult environment for computer use, as there is often:

- No previous computer exposure
- No local computer training or maintenance
- Limited electricity
- Limited or non-existent connection to the internet
- Dusty, wet, hot, humid conditions

### The solution

WeSay is an Open Source project aimed at providing computer tools to help communities perform several language development activities on their own. The project develops tools that are simple, task-oriented, and available on hardware appropriate to the environment. At the same time, these tools enable data sharing with advisors running more traditional, high-powered linguistic and publishing software. The idea is to empower communities to do their own high-quality data gathering, leaving the more technical aspects of publishing to more traditional platforms.

WeSay will be of interest in those situations where native speakers are ready to play a direct, ongoing role in the construction of a dictionary and collection/transcription of stories in their own language, using something other than paper.

### Basic data to simple printouts

WeSay has various ways to help native speakers to think of words in their language and enter some basic data (no backslash codes, just forms to fill in). They can make local, simple printouts for local use, checking, and peer review. The program supports the sharing of gathered words via USB key or email (where available).

## Screenshots

![WeSay screenshot](https://www.tools.bible/api/media/file/Screenshot-2022-11-03-223743.png)

![WeSay screenshot](https://www.tools.bible/api/media/file/Screenshot-2022-11-03-223628.png)

![WeSay screenshot](https://www.tools.bible/api/media/file/Screenshot-2022-11-03-223517.png)

## Related tools

- [Dictionary App Builder](https://www.tools.bible/tools/dictionary-app-builder.md)
- [RhemaApp](https://www.tools.bible/tools/rhemaapp.md)
- [Speech Analyzer](https://www.tools.bible/tools/speech-analyzer.md)
- [Lilt](https://www.tools.bible/tools/lilt.md)
- [Phonology Assistant](https://www.tools.bible/tools/phonology-assistant.md)

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