A tool for transforming WordNet-like databases

Abstract

The paper presents WUpdate - a data manipulation language designed for WordNet-like lexical databases. The language can be used to perform modifications of a wordnet, such as adding word senses, removing words, interlinking synsets, etc. The focus of the paper is on solving wordnet-specific problems that are not addressed by other data manipulation languages. In particular, the paper addresses the problem of preserving the properties of semantic hierarchies while they are being transformed and the problem of changing the granularity of a WordNet-like database. The paper outlines the syntax and semantics of the WUpdate language and describes the underlying data model. Alternative approaches that may be undertaken to modify a WordNet-like database are discussed. © 2014 Springer International Publishing.