I'm new to LC so take what I say with a grain of salt. If you don't know LC, starting with the creation of a dictionary sounds like a pretty large undertaking. If you are already a coder, then maybe it isn't going to be an issue. Still, I'm coming at your question as a beginner myself. Personally, I'd recommend learning the LC environment first and trying small bits of the code that relate to your interests. Then, you can get comfortable with all of the LC terms and the way LC does things. Look at some of the smaller examples that manipulate strings/text. I noticed one Hangman example. I'm not sure if that would help. I haven't looked at it. However, it might give you some idea of how LC works with strings/text/chunks:
http://lessons.livecode.com/m/2592/l/19175
Here is something about Chunk expressions:
http://livecode.wikia.com/wiki/Chunk_expressions
Also, if you want to start to get to know LC, the old conferences that were pointed out to me by a LC expert, Klaus, are a great introduction (though, beware, they are very old and need updating. Some of the stuff won't look quite the same or apply, but it will still help you a lot) At the risk of repeating myself, it really should be made a sticky for Beginners at the top of this forum.
http://www.hyperactivesw.com/revscriptc ... ences.html
Oh, and the best book I've found is very reasonably priced on Amazon. It is perfect for working with LC as you create within the program. (Just wish it was in pdf so that I could highlight areas that need to be referenced.)
On top of the great price, it was proof read by another LC expert who visits this forum, Jackie.
It is hands down the best book I've found for LC. That said, it was published in 2014. That means it is slightly older. It uses LC7 and I've found a few differences in the basics of use from LC9.02. It will get you up and going in LC.
https://www.amazon.com/LiveCode-Lite-Co ... =8-1-spell
Good Luck from one Newbie to another.
-Rachel