Illustrative Examples and the Aspect of Culture: The Perspective of a Tshivenḓa Bilingual Dictionary
Abstract
Few Tshivenḓa dictionaries make use of illustrative examples to define lexical entries. Among those which use illustrative examples to define lexical entries is Venda Dictionary: Tshivenḓa – English, which makes use of simple sentences, idioms, riddles and proverbs. Through the use of illustrative examples lexicographers show the headword in use in typical contexts (Katzaros 2004). In many instances illustrative examples in Venda Dictionary: Tshivenḓa -- English reflect on the culture of the Vhavenḓa; information which is valuable to Tshivenḓa learners. Learners of a foreign language find it difficult to understand meanings of cultural words. Bartholomew (1995:4) writes that a cursory reading of the illustrative sentences not only helps the reader to understand the entry word, but it also gives him a feel for the kind of life led by the speakers. This paper seeks to highlight the importance of illustrative examples in familiarising dictionary users with the culture of the Vhavenḓa. Data from Venda Dictionary: Tshivenḓa – English will be used to facilitate the discussion of illustrative examples and the aspect of Tshivenḓa culture.
@InProceedings{ELX2014-043, author={Munzhedzi James Mafela}, title={Illustrative Examples and the Aspect of Culture: The Perspective of a Tshivenḓa Bilingual Dictionary}, pages={577-585}, booktitle={Proceedings of the 16th EURALEX International Congress}, year={2014}, month={jul}, date={15-19}, address={Bolzano, Italy}, editor={Abel, Andrea and Vettori, Chiara and Ralli, Natascia}, publisher={EURAC research}, isbn={978-88-88906-97-3}, }
