Abstract

Lojban currently has several major projects in progress, all in varying stages of completeness. The only project so far completed has been the Reference Grammar, thus finalizing the language specification. The next project most near completion is the Pocket Dictionary project. The current Lojban projects are given below.

Projects

Reference Grammar

Description

A complete specification of the phonetics, morphology, syntax, and semantics of Lojban. Includes grammar but does not specify non-grammatical vocabulary.

Language

English, with interlinear Lojban-to-English example sentences.

Status

Currently completed and published, both at the ftp site and in paperback. Approximately 200 books remain to be sold to cover publication cost, about 275 have been sold. The Reference Grammar baselines the language for at least five years from 2000 (until 2005+), during which time the grammar and words will not change (new compounds and borrowings might be invented).

Pocket Dictionary

Description

A small dictionary containing a subset of the complete Lojban dictionary, thus being suitable for publication as a pocket-sized paperback. Designed for low publication cost, ocurrance of frequent Lojban words, and as a useful tool for Lojban learners. Will include both root-words (gismu), grammar-words (cmavo), and combining forms (rafsi).

Language

A main Lojban-to-English section and a smaller English-to-Lojban section.

Status

Currently being prepared by selecting a useful subset from the comprehensive Draft Dictionary available at the ftp site. No publication or release date set.

Textbook

Description

The textbook used for learning the Lojban language. Progresses from a basic introduction to Lojban goals and concepts. Continues with exercises and increasing vocabulary and grammatical sophistication. Primarily focuses on explaining and practicing Lojban grammar and sentences. There is a deficiency in dialogues, reading passages, and Lojban-only instruction.

Language

English, with Lojban sentences

Status

Unchanged since 4th Quarter 1993. Currently being laid aside until dictionary is completed.

Machine Grammar

Description

The complete specification of the Lojban grammar that allows unambiguous machine parsing of Lojban written and spoken utterances. It is available in two formats. One is the Extended BNF (Backus-Naur Form), which is more suitable for human reading, and more concise. Also available is the grammar as a YACC (Yet Another Compiler Compiler) input file, which though more verbose than the BNF form, can be input into YACC and thus a Lojban parser generated. Note that there are some minor steps to be taken with a Lojban text before the YACC pass. Also, the YACC version is the authoritative one. Both are also given in the Reference Grammar book.

Languages

Not Applicable, but comments are in English.

Status

Completed. Available in Reference Grammar book and on ftp site.