Developing a Knowledge Organization System for Ethnic Groups in Lao PDR through Linked Open Data Techniques

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study is to propose a knowledge organization system (KOS) for the ethnic groups of Laos by utilizing linked open data (LOD) to standardize the metadata. Data of 49 Laos ethnic groups and the techniques of Linked Open Data were used. Linked data of ethnic groups in Lao PDR from other external standardized data sources, including DBpedia and Wikidata, was found. The results indicate that there is limited an information on the ethnic groups of Laos in online databases. This study aims to link and improve data on Laos ethnic groups by utilizing ontology and reconciliation techniques to link incomplete or outdated data, as well as using OpenRefine and RDF extension to link the source database. Although the country has implemented policies to promote the national identity and the tourism economy, much of the related information remains inaccessible to the public as it is only available in official documents. The available information in the online database system would be compared to foreign languages like Vietnamese, Thai, etc., because these areas and ethnic groups were close to each other, and the languages were in the same family.

KEYWORDS:

• Linked Open Data
• ethnic group
• Lao PDR
• LOD
• knowledge organization system

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Wirapong Chansanam

Wirapong Chansanam received his Ph.D. degree in Information Studies from Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand. He was with Chaiyaphum Rajabhat University as a lecturer for nine years. In 2019, he joined Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, where he is currently an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. His research interests include (but not limited to) data analytics, information science, especially in digital humanities. He can be contacted by email: [email protected].

Pitipat Chotkamonsawad

Pitipat Chotkamonsawad received an M.S. degree in Mekong Studies from Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand. His research interests include (but are not limited to) Mekong Studies. He can be contacted at email: [email protected].

Lan Thi Nguyen

Dr. Lan Thi Nguyen successfully earned her Ph.D. in Information Studies from Khon Kaen University, Thailand. Presently, she serves as a lecturer at the Department of Information Science, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Khon Kaen university. Her academic pursuits focus on various areas such as digital services, information behavior, digital literacy, and cultural heritage information. For communication, she can be reached via email at [email protected].