Lexicography Essay

2276 Words10 Pages
Lexicography: Introduction 1 1. Lexicography: Definition • Lexicography is a scholarly discipline that involves compiling, writing, or editing dictionaries. • Lexicography is widely considered an independent scholarly discipline, though it is a subfield within linguistics. • Lexicography is divided into two related disciplines: 1. Practical lexicography 2. Theoretical lexicography 2 1. Lexicography: Definition (cont.) 1. Practical lexicography is the art or craft of compiling, writing and editing dictionaries. 2. Theoretical lexicography is the scholarly discipline of (1) analyzing and (2) describing the semantic, syntagmatic and paradigmatic relationships within the lexicon (vocabulary) of a language, (3) developing theories of dictionary components and structures linking (a) the data in dictionaries, (b) the needs for information by users in specific types of situation, and (c) how users may best access the data incorporated in printed and electronic dictionaries. This is sometimes referred to as 'metalexicography'. 3 1. Lexicography: Definition (cont.) • The Dictionary of Lexicography (Hartmann and James 1998) defines lexicography as: “The professional activity and academic field concerned with DICTIONARIES and other REFERENCE WORKS. It has two basic divisions: lexicographic practice, or DICTIONARY-MAKING, and lexicographic theory, or DICTIONARY RESEARCH.” • A lexicographer is essentially someone who writes or contributes to a dictionary or dictionaries. • A lexicographer is also used more generally to refer to writers of other reference works, including encyclopedias. 4 2. What Is a Dictionary? • The dictionary is widely regarded as the prototypical work of lexical reference. It is a book or bank about words. • It classifies and stores information in print or, increasingly, electronic form and has an access system or systems designed to

More about Lexicography Essay

Open Document