Excel import into Flex

[James Bauman]

I've been exploring the Import options into Flex and am drawing a blank on what is the correct procedure to import data originally input into Excel. I inherited a 1000 word list in Excel, which I'd prefer not to rekey. I converted  the Excel table to an XML file and generated an XMD file, but it's not obvious what to do next. The SFM wizard accepts the XML file, but does not recognize the markers to allow for remapping. I read Paul Frank's and Gary Simon's article on Saliba, but I think the procedures they're laying out aren't applicable anymore.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Jim Bauman

 

[Jeff and Peg Shrum]

Jim,

 

I don’t know exactly what you data looks like but if your data is not too complex, I would suggest you convert it to SFM then import that file into Flex.  The basic procedure is to add columns to the spreadsheet where you would enter the appropriate standard format markers, \lx for lexeme, \ge for English glosss, \gn for the national language gloss, etc.  Next use the program call Sheetswiper to convert the excel spread sheet to a text document with SFM’s for each line.  The resulting file will be just like a Toolbox file.  FLEX does a good job importing SFM files, but you will have to map any custom or unusual fields manually and you will have to make sure it assigns the correct writing system to each field.  For example, part of speech, semantic domains and many other fields will be assumed to need the English writing system, but if you want everything in French or something else you will have to change the writing system manually during the import setup.  You should be able to find the sheetswiper program on the SIL website if not, I can find out where you can download it from.

 

Jeff S.

LTC

Milange, Mozambique

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[Cambell Prince]

Hi,

Here's the link.

    http://projects.palaso.org/projects/sheetswiper

 

   
Regards,
Cambell

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Cambell Prince
Payap Language Software and SIL MSEAG
Skype: cambell.prince | Mobile: +66 87 190 5871
www.palaso.org and www.sil.org  

[James Bauman]

Jeff,

Many thanks...it worked like a charm and it saved me hours!

I know that the majority of Flex users are well experienced from Shoebox days and beyond, but given that there are people coming into language documentation without a longterm history of involvement with SIL software, it would be very useful I think to put up a one stop document that explains the rationale. It really was difficult to find in any location an integrated account of SFM, markers, font encodings in source and target documents, the interrelationships between SFM, XML, LIFT, LinguaLinks, and "desktop" formats. In my Internet wanderings before I finally caved and asked flex-list, I did find Palaso.org, but somehow missed entirely seeing a mention of Sheetswiper. An integrated newbie document like that could be extremely helpful, I would think. But, then again, maybe it already exists and it just eluded me....That can happen easily enough in the web today.

Anyway, thanks again. You were a lifesaver....

Jim

[Jeff and Peg Shrum]

Jim,

 

I think the process  is described out there some where, maybe it could be copied to the Flex web page.  Then again you got your answer from Flex-list, that’s why the list exists.  Never hurts to ask.

[jamesjo...@gmail.com]

Jeff
I guess i've got that common male affliction that will wait till the situation is dire before asking for help. I think I've learned my lesson though. Thanks again

Jim

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

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From: "Jeff and Peg Shrum" <Jeff-Pe...@sil.org>

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Date: Mon, 13 Jun 2011 07:21:36 +0200

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Subject: RE: [FLEx] Excel import into Flex