International Journal of Lexicography - current issue

Suffixes vs Final Combining Forms in English: A Lexicographic Perspective

Prcic, T. — 2008-03-27

The aims of this paper are twofold: firstly, to offer one method of drawing a systematic dividing line between suffixes and final combining forms (FCFs), by applying the ordered set of shared and distinguishing criteria, based on the formal, functional, semantic and pragmatic properties of both suffixes and FCFs, which was originally proposed in the paper ‘Prefixes vs Initial Combining Forms in English: a Lexicographic Perspective’ (Prcic 2005); and secondly, to define the categories of prototypical suffix and prototypical FCF, which would, consequently, help to assign each bound final lexical element to one of the two categories in a synchronically more appropriate way. By filling the current descriptive gap in lexicological theory, this paper especially hopes to contribute to lexicographic methodology and practice with concrete pointers for a more consistent labelling of all bound final lexical elements in dictionaries, both pedagogical and native-speaker ones, where present solutions are to a large extent inconsistent, unexplained and hence confusing for the user.

Rethinking Burchfield and World Englishes

Ogilvie, S. — 2008-03-27

This paper challenges the widespread assumption that Robert Burchfield (1923–2004), the editor of the four-volume Supplement to the OED (1972–1986), included more World Englishes than his predecessors did. It compares Burchfield's Supplement with the text upon which it was based: the 1933 OED Supplement edited by Charles Onions and Sir William Craigie. The case study examines in detail over nine thousand dictionary entries (10% of each dictionary) across nineteen parameters, in order to reveal that Burchfield's lexicographic practice did not always match his stated policies on World Englishes. The results will offer an alternative perspective, and will introduce a different editor, Charles Onions, as the true champion of World Englishes in the OED.

Pronunciation of Acronyms and Abbreviations in e-LDOCE and e-MEDAL

Sobkowiak, W. — 2008-03-27

CD-ROM versions of Macmillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners (MEDAL2) and Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English (LDOCE4) are compared in terms of their phonetic treatment of acronyms and abbreviations. A-onset acronyms are extracted from both dictionaries as a sample. Fifty-four of these appear in both dictionaries. Only twenty-seven are represented both graphically (phonetic transcription) and audially (recording) in both dictionaries. As many as one-fourth have no phonetic representation of either type. Twelve are recorded in LDOCE4 with no phonetic transcription. Neither dictionary offers an easy way to reliably search specifically for acronyms and abbreviations, although both feature rather sophisticated search menus. A number of errors are observed, both in the graphic and audio representation, as well as in their alignment. This is a striking weakness of the two cutting-edge electronic dictionaries in representing such a linguistically and culturally salient phenomenon.

Beyond Definition: Organising Semantic Information in Bilingual Dictionaries

Fraser, B. L. — 2008-03-27

This paper considers the process of organising semantic information in bilingual dictionaries with diachronic coverage, from selecting the textual source-material to designing the entries. The discussion centres on practical aspects of ancient Greek lexicography. First, the traditional semantic frameworks are described. Then, more recent approaches are noted, notably those of Adrados and of Chadwick, both of which aim to integrate contextual data within a semantic framework. Since the relevance of contextual information varies with lemma part of speech, different configurations are required for entries describing nouns, adjectives, and verbs. These are illustrated by three entries from a Greek-English dictionary currently being written at Cambridge. In order to organise data to this level of specificity, stylistic templates are indispensable, and digital software provides a means of providing them. However, systems designed for writing new dictionaries require different features from those designed for encoding pre-existing texts. A description is given of how the lexicographic requirements of the Cambridge dictionary were met by a user-designed system.¹

Lynne Bowker (ed.). Lexicography, Terminology, and Translation. Text-based studies in honour of Ingrid Meyer.

Humbley, J. — 2008-03-27

Elisenda Bernal, Janet DeCesaris (ed.). Palabra por palabra: estudios ofrecidos a Paz Battaner

Alonso Ramos, M. — 2008-03-27

Publications Received

2008-03-27

EURALEX Newsletter

Bogaards, P. — 2008-03-27