1. A modular lexical system for searching or inputting Chinese-like characters and words, the system having a processor configured to perform operations comprising: receiving input from a user to link or unlink one or more of a plurality of lexical data sources, each lexical data source having an independent data structure; generating one or more data structures for storing data from one or more of the lexical data sources in a plurality of data storage sections; indicating a structure of the stored data in one of the data storage sections; integrating the stored data in each data storage section into hierarchical data structure; creating an aggregate collection of lexemes, said collection of lexemes comprising an aggregate of all search keys and corresponding data found in the lexical data sources, together with cross-references to the lexical data sources in which said keys are found; designating, in response to user input, a subset of lexical data to be used; creating an activated subset of lexical data, said activated subset comprising a subset of the lexeme collection corresponding to the lexical data tables designated for use by the user, wherein each record corresponds to a phonetic or phonological search key for which the retrieved values correspond to character or word objects having an orthographic realization and additional lexical data as provided via the originating lexicon; retrieving individual records of lexical data from said lexical data sources such that all said sources may contribute candidates for input to the input means when a search key has been provided; displaying said candidates for selection by the user during word search and text input; generating a summary table that includes a basic nature and characteristic of individual lexicons stored in the system; and displaying information contained in said summary table.