Since WordSurv version 2.5 there have been three major functions provided by WordSurv:
The primary purpose of WordSurv is to calculate lexical simlilarty percentages. The user examines phonetic transcriptions and groups them. Using these groups, WordSurv calculates the similarity percentages.
WordSurv includes a module for calculating phonetic similarity. The user aligns the data by inserting characters so that corresponding phones will appear directly above and below each other. The user can also adjust the weighting of phonetic degrees of distance between phones.
A Comparativist's Assistant module is included to help users determine the genetic relationship between languages, though WordCorr is recommended for more in-depth comparison. Using CompASS users can also verify the groupings used for calculating the lexical similarity percentages.
Many additional features have been suggested for WordSurv. The most requested features are listed on this page.
WordSurv 7 runs quickly without any need to commit changes. Any user familiar with Excel and the Windows File Explorer should be able to quickly learn how to use the program.
WordSurv 7 has been re-written to work quickly (and easily) even with many word lists.
WordSurv 7 now includes an "Undo" option! The user can undo multiple previous actions at any point in the program.
Also, WordSurv automatically creates backup copies which can be opened like any other WordSurv file.
WordSurv 7 will be able to import:
It will be able to export the following data (in Excel and CSV formats):
Other export types have been suggested to support (not yet implemented):
The code for WordSurv 7 is being re-written to make long term maintainability possible. This means that other features may one day be possible: