Digital Transformation of the Etymological Dictionary of Geographical Names

Abstract

This article aims to contribute to the methodology of the structuring of etymological dictionaries of geographical names and the popularization of knowledge regarding the origin of Silesian toponyms. It is based on experiences gathered during the digitization and publication in an electronic form of the SENGŚ (“Etymological Dictionary of Geographical Names of Silesia”) and addresses the problems encountered. The article discusses the rules applied in the compilation of the SENGŚ and presents two information models used during the digitalization of this dictionary: a relational model and a graph model. The first one corresponds to standard approaches when designing electronic versions of dictionaries. The second allows the creation of solutions conforming to the idea of Linked Open Data, which are deployable as parts of the Semantic Internet. An important aspect also considered was the linking of historical materials listed in the dictionary entries with the corresponding records maintained in digital repositories. This association was realized using the AZON platform (“Atlas of Open Scientific Resources”).