The Role of E-lexicography in the Confirmation of Lexicography as an Independent and Multidisciplinary Field

By November 23, 2016,
Page 109-116
Author Theo J.D. Bothma, Rufus H. Gouws, Danie J. Prinsloo
Title The Role of E-lexicography in the Confirmation of Lexicography as an Independent and Multidisciplinary Field
Abstract This paper argues in favour of an adopted, extended theory of lexicography to cater for the fast-growing e-lexicography practice. We believe that such a modern general lexicographic theory should be rooted in three fundamental phases of the development of lexicographic theory, i.e. the focus on linguistic contents – Zgusta, Wiegand’s focus on dictionary structures and Bergenholtz and Tarp’s emphasis on lexicographic functions with the user in focus. Although the linguistic contents and the functions of printed and e-dictionaries can be similar, the presentation differs and that demands innovative formulations of dictionary structures. Lexicographic theory is expanded by describing and taking cognisance of all innovative technological features enabled by the computer era, including data collection and processing and data representation and interface design, in order to respond to the different needs of the envisaged target users in an optimal way. Insights from the field of information science facilitate the compilation of a much more sophisticated specification of user needs and the way in which users interact with the information. The lexicographer has an obligation to provide users with guidance and required information whilst guarding them against information overload.
Session The Dictionary-Making Process
Keywords lexicographic theory; interdisciplinary; multidisciplinary; information science; user support tools
BibTex
@InProceedings{ELX2016-008,
author={Theo J.D. Bothma, Rufus H. Gouws, Danie J. Prinsloo},
title={The Role of E-lexicography in the Confirmation of Lexicography as an Independent and Multidisciplinary Field},
pages={109-116},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 17th EURALEX International Congress},
year={2016},
month={sep},
date={6-10},
address={Tbilisi, Georgia},
editor={Tinatin Margalitadze, George Meladze},
publisher={Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi University Press},
isbn={978-9941-13-542-2},
}
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