Abstract: A finite state dictionary (200, 780) and method of production thereof by providing nodes (210–240) representing symbols stored in the dictionary; providing links (250–290) linking predetermined nodes; classifying each of the nodes; and associating with each node one of a plurality of formats selected in dependence on the node's classification. The node's classification is preferably representative of the node's probability of use. The plurality of predetermined formats preferably comprises: start of chain (210); heavy use (230); middle use (220); and light use (240). The probability of use of the nodes may be determined from a predetermined symbol probability analysis, or from a prior accumulation of statistics from use with corpora. This produces the advantage of increased run-time speed of dictionary look-up, and may reduce the dictionary's size.

Abstract: A finite state dictionary (200, 780) and method of production thereof by providing nodes (210-240) representing symbols stored in the dictionary; providing links (250-290) linking predetermined nodes; classifying each of the nodes; and associating with each node one of a plurality of formats selected in dependence on the node's classification. The node's classification is preferably representative of the node's probability of use. The plurality of predetermined formats preferably comprises: start of chain (210); heavy use (230); middle use (220); and light use (240). The probability of use of the nodes may be determined from a predetermined symbol probability analysis, or from a prior accumulation of statistics from use with corpora. This produces the advantage of increased run-time speed of dictionary look-up, and may reduce the dictionary's size.