Pathway is a powerful tool designed by the nonprofit organization SIL (Summer Institute of Linguistics) to assist with the publication of dictionary and Scripture data. SIL collaborates with local language communities worldwide to overcome linguistic barriers and promote community flourishing. Pathway simplifies the complex process of preparing and formatting language data for various publishing mediums, playing a vital role in helping over 855 million people across 1,300 language communities thrive using their most valued languages.

How to Guide:

Step 1: Install Pathway

For Windows

  1. Download Pathway: Visit the official Pathway download page to get the installation package.
  2. Run the Installer: The bootstrap program will determine whether to install the Translation Edition or the Standard Edition and check for necessary third-party software.
  3. Restart Your Computer: This step ensures that all necessary environment variables are properly configured.

For Linux

  1. Add SIL Repositories: Follow the instructions on the SIL repository setup page.
  2. Install Pathway: Use Ubuntu or Wasta software installer to install pathway or pathway-xelatex packages.
  3. Restart Your Computer: This step is necessary for the FieldWorks Language Explorer (FLEx) to recognize Pathway.

Step 2: Configure Pathway

  1. Launch Configuration Tool: Open the Configuration Tool from the Pathway installation directory.
  2. Save a Custom Style Sheet: Save any provided style sheet as a custom style sheet and modify it according to your needs.
  3. Set Defaults: Use the Set Default toolbar icon to set up defaults for the Export Through Pathway dialog.

Step 3: Using Pathway with Different Tools

With FieldWorks Language Explorer (FLEx)

  1. Open FLEx: Ensure Pathway is installed.
  2. Configure Dictionary: Go to Tools > Configure > Configure Dictionary (or Reversal) to select and order fields.
  3. Select Export Option: Navigate to File > Export > Dictionary, Reversal Index, and select Pathway.

With FieldWorks Translation Editor (FTE)

  1. Open FTE: Ensure Pathway is activated in the options.
  2. Filter Content: Use the View > Filters menu to select Filter By Book.
  3. Select Export Option: Navigate to File > Export, and select Pathway.

With Paratext

  1. Open Paratext: Ensure Pathway is installed.
  2. Export to Pathway: Navigate to File > Export to Pathway.

Step 4: Select Output Format

  1. Choose Output Format: Pathway offers multiple output formats such as Word Processor, Typeset, Mobile, Smart Device, and HTML5.
  2. Preview Layout: In the PrintVia screen, use the “select layout” button to preview your output.
  3. Edit Styles: If necessary, edit the layout by pressing the “Edit Layout” button.

Step 5: Export Data

  1. Confirm Settings: Ensure all settings are as desired.
  2. Export Data: Click “Ok” on the PrintVia screen to export your data.

Step 6: Special Processing for Content

Pictures

  1. Insert Pictures: Ensure pictures are correctly linked to entries or senses.
  2. Manage Rights: Secure permissions and include acknowledgments in the publication.

Headers

  1. Set Headers: Define headers to help users navigate the content effectively.
  2. Adjust for Media: Note that headers are typically omitted in electronic publications.

Scripts

  1. Font Selection: Use appropriate fonts like Charis SIL for Roman scripts or Graphite-enabled fonts for complex scripts.

Step 7: Style Sheets

  1. Combine Style Sheets: Pathway combines user and best-practice style sheets for final formatting.
  2. Modify Styles: Edit styles as necessary to fit regional or custom requirements.

Step 8: Standards and Roles

  1. Leverage Standards: Pathway uses standards like XHTML, CSS, ODF, and Epub.
  2. Understand Roles: Different roles such as Manager and Content Provider are recognized, enabling focused responsibilities.

Getting Help and Tutorials

Additional Features and Future Developments

  • Future Features: Cross-platform compatibility and localization of menus and dialogs are in the pipeline.
  • Optional Add-ons: Download tools like OdtXslt Optional Pathway Add-on for enhanced functionality.

This guide covered the basics of installing, configuring, and using Pathway to prepare and format dictionary and Scripture data. For more detailed steps, follow the provided links or consult the additional resources mentioned. By leveraging Pathway, you contribute to SIL’s mission of empowering language communities and promoting linguistic and cultural thriving.