| Abstract |
The aim of this paper is to show, through the application of the mathematical model of scale-free networks, how the scale-free network of language is represented in the information contained in dictionaries. Research conducted in the last few decades has proven that every phenomenon of nature and society-the relations of so many various systems-is organised into a complex system of networks. Research has also proven that complex networks can be analysed with the help of a common network model, and that the application of this network theory allows us to discover features of the analysed system that are not observable by other methods. After the discovery of the significance of networks, broad experimental and theoretical studies were launched to reveal the nature of networks and to apply the findings, and research on scale-free networks is the most outstanding among these. If we accept that the three components of the terminological unit may be modelled with the scale-free terminological network model (Fóris 2007), and that the language network is made up of at least these three networks, then we may suppose that dictionaries select and present various parts of this complex network from different approaches. The lexicographers. task-to put it simply-is to collect, record and make the data necessary for language use easily accessible. In order to meet this aim, dictionaries need to follow the three-sided structure of language networks. The various types of dictionaries compiled for different purposes developed a practical structure that reflects the structure of the language network. In the paper, I briefly touch upon the main characteristics of the scale-free network model that can be widely applied in linguistic research, and point out the lexicographic aspects of the model. Based on the network model we can draw conclusions concerning the practical structure of dictionaries. I demonstrate that the complex scale-free network structure of language containing three sub-systems enables us to use the language quickly and completely. I also illustrate and support the features of the language network model and its application with figures. |
| BibTex |
@InProceedings{ELX08-155,
author = {Ágota Fóris},
title = {Scale-free Networks in Dictionaries},
pages = {1499-1504},
booktitle = {Proceedings of the 13th EURALEX International Congress},
year = {2008},
month = {jul},
date = {15-19},
address = {Barcelona, Spain},
editor = {Elisenda Bernal, Janet DeCesaris},
publisher = {Institut Universitari de Linguistica Aplicada, Universitat Pompeu Fabra},
isbn = {978-84-96742-67-3},
} |
