1. A weighted finite state network process comprising: storing a finite state network object including one or more arcs defining one or more paths, at least one arc having an associated weight stored as a weight-defining finite state network object; and applying the finite state network object to an input, the applying including combining weights of one or more arcs matching the input using at least one of: (i) a collection operation to combine weights of parallel paths, the collection operation being implemented as a finite state network-combining operation acting on weight-defining finite state network objects, and (ii) an extension operation to combine weights of arcs along a path, the extension operation being implemented as a finite state network-combining operation acting on weight-defining finite state network objects.