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FREELANG Dictionary - FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. 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 large word lists, but 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).

2. Can I run the program on another system than Windows?

Our dictionary runs with Windows, and we also provide an app for Android (search for 'Freelang' on Google Play or click here if you are reading this with an Android device). For other systems, please note that all Freelang dictionaries are also available in an online version.

Q. Is there a version of the dictionary for Macintosh?

A. No, sorry. However, Corbin Loftis found a way to run the dictionary on a Mac, and he compiled a PDF file with detailed instructions. Thanks a lot, Corbin ;-) Please note that we are not able to provide any technical support to Mac users.

Q. Can I run Freelang dictionary on Linux?

A. You can install the program by using Wine (wine dictionary_setup.exe, same for the wordlist). Then run it by typing wine "c:\whateverthepathis\dict.exe" from the Wine directory. Please note that we are not able to provide any technical support to Linux users.

3. 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.

4. 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 have to register or susbscribe to anything.

5. 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 online user guide.

Q. Once the list has been improved, how can I send it to you?

A. Open the list you want to send us then go to "Tools" menu and choose "Send an update to Freelang". You can send us only one list (language A to language B) or the two of them (language A to language B and language B to language A), depending on which list you have been working on. For more information please contact us. Thank you very much in advance!

6. 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 an empty dictionary" in the "Tools" menu of the main window. Please contact us if you need help.

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.

7. 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.

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.