UNL applications are UNL-based applications. Several UNL applications has been developed, two major ones are UNL Explorer and UNL Encyclopedia.

UNL Explorer

The UNL Explorer is a UNL-based application allowing users or developers to view or to develop the UNL database such as the UNL Encyclopedia.

UNL database stores information in UNL, and the keys to the information in UNL database are UWs (Universal Words). UWs are stored in the UW dictionary, and every UW used in UNL expressions of information is also a key to further information.

Based on the UNL database, the UNL Explorer allows users to search for information using UWs or words of natural languages. The UNL Explorer will show the results in UNL or a desired natural language by accessing the UNL System. Deconverters of the UNL System deconvert the UNL expressions of information into the desired natural languages.

The UNL Explorer also provides functions for developers to add or modify information to the UNL database in their native languages. In this case, the UNL Editor is necessary for generating UNL expressions of information from natural languages. This document explains how to use the UNL Editor and how the results are included or linked in the UNL database.

The architecture of the UNL database allows its development to be carried out by a wide range of developers from different languages and cultures. Such a database can provide a wealth of up-to-date information on various aspects of information and knowledge from all over the world.

For details see http://www.undl.org/encyclopedia/.

UNL Encyclopedia

The UNL Universal Encyclopedia is the collection of the empirical and scientific knowledge, wisdom and culture of all peoples expressed in UNL. With the UNL-enabled convergence of language, information and digital technologies, it is possible to assemble all forms of knowledge and culture in a common asset for humankind, while preserving "local" diversities. The merit of the UNL is that it enables each people to use its native language to share its world of knowledge and culture with other peoples in their respective languages. In this sense, the UNL Encyclopedia is truly "universal".

In present history, interdependence among nations - enhanced by Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) - brings economies, cultures, knowledge systems and political regimes closer to each other. But language barriers prevents a fair information flow, access to knowledge, trans-cultural exchanges and mutual understanding among diverse peoples. As a result, conflicts and clashes increase as globalization threatens the identity and survival of local cultures. The UNL Encyclopedia takes advantage of the ICT media to break down barriers, and to provide all peoples with a platform for sharing their world of art, knowledge, wisdom, values, ways of life, feelings and beliefs with others. The UNL Encyclopedia therefore emerges as one of the "natural historical responses" to meet the need for fairness by promoting reciprocal knowledge while preserving cultural diversity.

Existing encyclopedias, such as the Britannica, Larousse and others, are written in English, Chinese, French, Japanese, Russian, and many other languages. The UNL Encyclopedia will be written in UNL, the language of computers. The task of developing the UNL Encyclopedia consists in enconverting in UNL the multi-diverse forms of knowledge that exist in texts or in the minds of the authors. Authors will use their own native language to write UNL documents. This task is accomplished with the support of the UNL System and the help of UNL tools. These are made available to anybody interested in taking part in this endeavor.

For details see http://www.undl.org/encyclopedia/