Re: [tlug] [Fwd: Search MySQL for Japanese Names]

[Sach Jobb <sach@example.com>]

Hello,

Since the same kanji can have multiple readings the only way to really be accurate here is to simply ask the user to input the reading in a separate field. This is probably why most forms that you have to fill out in Japan usually have a separate space for the reading called "furigana" which is typically located directly above the name. I have noticed that 1/2-width katakana is often used for this.

Doesn't solve your problem but in a related subject there was a fabulous presentation March of this year on Mecab (http://tlug.jp/wiki/Meetings:2009:03) which deals with how to figure out how to read things, or rather, what is the most likely reading depending on the context of the sentence.

Cheers,
Sach

On Mon, Oct 19, 2009 at 2:48 PM, Edward Middleton <emiddleton@example.com> wrote:

TLUG,

I've been tasked with building a MySQL database that will store the
names of people in Japanese kanji. Those names need to be searched
alphabetically from a web interface.

By "alphabetically", I mean in order of the hiragana... あいうえお、かき
くけこ..., and so on.

Since kanji can have multiple readings, will I need to store a separate,
katakana version of the name in order to search for it "alphabetically"?

Will that katakana need to be half width, or does it matter?

Or can I get an ascending order of names with just the kanji?

Or should I say screw it and get the users to put in a romaji version of
their name?

Any advice much appreciated.


--
Dave M G
http://tlug.jp/mediawiki/index.php?title=User:Dave_M_G

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