Date:         Tue, 13 Oct 1998 23:00:41 +1300
Reply-To:     Chris Double <chris@CND.CO.NZ>
Sender:       Lojban list <LOJBAN@CUVMB.BITNET>
From:         Chris Double <chris@CND.CO.NZ>
Subject:      Scrabble program for Lojban
To:           Multiple recipients of list LOJBAN <LOJBAN@CUVMB.BITNET>
Message-ID: <908273026.117162.0@listserv.cuny.edu>
Content-Length: 2248
Lines: 50


A Scrabble program for Windows 95/NT that uses the lojban language is
available for download from my web site:

http://www.cnd.co.nz/lojban

The program source was from a sample program in the Concurrent Clean
compiler distribution. The source code factored out the language dependant
portions so I modified it for lojban. Note that I haven't translated any of
the program menus or help files, just adjusted the letter frequencies,
points and added a lojban dictionary. Anyone who wants to do the other
translations, feel free.

I used the guidelines available at the lojban ftp site for using the letter
frequencies and letter points. For the dictionary I took lojbabs recent word
frequency list, removed the cmene and unknown gismu and pretty much used it
as is. It may need some tuning (adding/removing) words to make Scrabble play
smoothly - as it is the computer keeps beating me anyway :)

You can play against another player, against the computer or watch the
computer play against itself. It's fascinating learning how little gismu I
know! If you try a word that isn't in the dictionary the program gives you
the option of adding it - it does not detect invalid lojban words itself, it
relies upon the honesty system.

The source code and links to the concurrent clean compiler are included.
It's a cross platform language and compilers are available for Macs, Linux,
etc. I know that it compiles and works on a Mac but I'm unsure about the
other platforms.

Unfortunately I don't know much Clean yet so I was unable to modify the
program to use the ' letter. Instead I used the alternate letter 'h'. If I
get the apostrophe working I'll post a note here. All words will have to be
spelt in scrabble with an 'h' instead - (ie. kuho instead of ku'o).

Hope this is of interest - if you come up with a better lexicon file please
let me know!

Cheers,
Chris.
--
http://www.cnd.co.nz
icq 8600051