Information retrieval and database architecture for conventional Japanese character dictionaries

The cycle of abstraction-reconstruction, which occurs as a fundamental principle in the development of culture and in cognitive processes, is described and analyzed. This approach leads to recognition of boundary conditions for and directions of probable development of cognitive tools. It is shown how the transition from a conventional Japanese-English character dictionary to a multi-dimensional language database is an instance of such an abstraction-reconstruction cycle. The individual phases in the design of a multi-dimensional language database based upon different computer software technologies are investigated in regard to the underlying cycle. The methods used in the design of a multi-dimensional language database include the use of UNIX software tools, classical database methods as well as the use of search engines based upon full text search. Several directions of application and extension for multi-dimensional language databases are discussed.