Journal article
An Assessment of Wikidata on Premodern Writing Systems
Journal of Open Humanities Data, Vol.12, 57
04/07/2026
DOI: 10.5334/johd.482
Abstract
This article provides a brief exploratory analysis of Wikidata related to pre-modern writing systems and related concepts used for natural languages, assessing its current scope, reliability, and suitability for research. I give an overview of the 310 existing writing system items, often described as “alphabet” or “script,” and their common subclasses, in relation to current scholarly typologies. Using a representative sample of extensively annotated entries, I discuss the most common properties used in Wikidata statements about writing systems, and assess their levels of usage and consistency. I also explore related Wikidata on writing formats and support, usually classified as “communications media.” Throughout my analysis I reflect on the extent to which Wikidata reflects current scholarly knowledge, on the one hand; and potentially contributes to ongoing academic discussions, on the other. A related area of inquiry data provenance, namely the frequency of and common sources for citations and references. I conclude with some reflections on possible steps for improving Wikidata on writing systems, for example through the creation of an EntitySchema.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- An Assessment of Wikidata on Premodern Writing Systems
- Creators
- Paul C. Dilley - Departments of Classics and Religious Studies, University of Iowa, Iowa City, United States
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of Open Humanities Data, Vol.12, 57
- DOI
- 10.5334/johd.482
- ISSN
- 2059-481X
- eISSN
- 2059-481X
- ISSN
- 2059-481X
- eISSN
- 2059-481X
- Publisher
- Ubiquity Press
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 04/07/2026
- Academic Unit
- Classics; Religious Studies; Interdisciplinary Studies Program
- Record Identifier
- 9985153389802771
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