StarDict - A New Lexical Tool For Dictaphors
StarDict is among the most powerful open source electronic dictionary. It lets you not just to transpose words into text, but also to actually voice them, and to use special templates and fuzzy answers. Besides this, additional dictionaries may be added to the software (the total number of which is over 100), so expanding the possibilities even further. This software also offers its users a language transformer, which creates new languages for you, in case you find yourself not able to speak the input language you have chosen. However, StarDict isn't only limited to language translation; it also creates fully-customizable e-mail correspondences and allows its users to create databases of contacts.
Like several other high-quality dictation programs, StarDict has both a word-by-word and phrase-by-phrase auto-complete feature. When you press the 'scan' button, StarDict will check for word matches against pre-programmed tokens. If an item is found, the corresponding definition will be displayed. If no definition matches an item, the corresponding word will be omitted from the list, or if it's a word that was already present, the associated definition will be replaced by an alternate word. In addition, under the advanced 'split' menu, StarDict can split a sentence into two or more separate conversations.
Like many high-quality dictation programs, StarDict comes with many dictionaries that cover many different subjects. These additional dictionaries enable users to expand their vocabulary and perhaps get an education in their field, while using their new vocabulary. For example, many of the available encyclopedias come with a selection of common verbs, and many of these verbs have the base form that is commonly used in academic writing. Thus, using a StarDict dictionary expands a student's knowledge of the world of language, while at the same time increasing familiarity with a wide variety of words. Even though this program costs a little more than some other products, the price is well worth the value gained.
