Most students don’t know how different types of dictionaries can be used. Some of them don’t even know that there are different types of dictionaries, although the knowledge of how a term can be best found in the appropriate dictionary is an aid for academic research and will be helpful on their future job.
This paper is to inform not only students but also the general public who is interested in dictionaries about the use of dictionaries, as well as the many different types and kinds of dictionaries that are available to them. Dictionaries can help everyone to better understand the own language, or languages one is learning. This paper also contains a list of good monolingual and bilingual dictionaries with some sample pages.
It also provides the explanation of certain types of specialized dictionaries which seemed interesting and important to the author.
Table of Contents
1) Introduction
2) A short overview of the history of dictionaries
3) General Definition
4) Variations between dictionaries
3.1) Unabridged Dictionaries
3.2) Abridged Dictionaries
5) Descriptive vs Prescriptive
6) Other Variations
7) Different types of dictionaries
7.1) Monolingual dictionaries
7.2) Bilingual dictionaries
7.3) Bilingualised dictionaries
7.4) Specialized dictionaries
8) Different types of specialized dictionaries
8.1) Dictionary of Usage
8.2) Thesaurus
8.3) Spelling dictionary
8.4) Dictionary of Slang
8.5) Visual Dictionaries
8.6) Rhyming dictionary
8.7) Dictionary of Synonyms and Antonyms
9) Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper aims to educate students and the general public on the diverse landscape of dictionaries, illustrating their utility for academic research and professional development. It explores the historical development, functional differences, and the categorization of both general and specialized reference works.
- Historical evolution of dictionaries from glossaries to standardizing tools.
- Distinction between unabridged and abridged, as well as prescriptive and descriptive dictionaries.
- Categorization of monolingual, bilingual, and bilingualised dictionaries.
- In-depth analysis of specialized dictionaries including thesauri, slang, visual, and rhyming references.
- Practical guidance on selecting the appropriate dictionary based on specific needs.
Excerpt from the Book
5) Prescriptive vs Descriptive
Another important variation is the distinction between a prescriptive and a descriptive dictionary. Noah Webster believed that a dictionary should serve, first of all, as a guidebook to aid in the self-education of the American people. So, for example, you will find neither profane words, nor vulgar words, nor obscenities, and very little slang in Webster’s Second (Webster’s II). Other publishers followed his example, and so all dictionaries published before the 1960’s are almost identical. Their primary function was to guide and to include words, pronunciations, and spellings that should be used in educated speaking and writing. Words like “ain’t” that exist in the spoken language do not exist in these dictionaries because the purpose of these dictionaries was to “prescribe” a standard for acceptable American English.
Summary of Chapters
1) Introduction: Explains the importance of dictionary knowledge for academic research and career success, while outlining the scope of the paper.
2) A short overview of the history of dictionaries: Traces the evolution of reference works from 8th-century glossaries to the standardizing influence of Samuel Johnson’s dictionary.
3) General Definition: Defines the core characteristics of a dictionary, including its role in providing pronunciations, etymologies, and usage guidance.
4) Variations between dictionaries: Differentiates between unabridged and abridged works based on their size, completeness, and portability.
5) Descriptive vs Prescriptive: Analyzes the philosophical shift from prescribing a "standard" language to neutrally describing actual language usage, highlighted by the controversy surrounding Webster’s Third.
6) Other Variations: Discusses technical differences in how dictionaries organize their listings, specifically historical order versus frequency of use.
7) Different types of dictionaries: Categorizes dictionaries into monolingual, bilingual, bilingualised, and specialized types based on their target audience and linguistic focus.
8) Different types of specialized dictionaries: Examines specific categories like usage guides, thesauri, spelling, slang, visual, rhyming, and synonym/antonym dictionaries.
9) Conclusion: Summarizes the necessity of choosing the right reference tool and reiterates that traditional dictionaries remain superior to most online alternatives.
Keywords
Dictionaries, Lexicography, Unabridged, Abridged, Prescriptive, Descriptive, Monolingual, Bilingual, Thesaurus, Slang, Visual Dictionary, Etymology, Reference works, Linguistic, Usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of this paper?
The paper aims to inform students and the general public about the various types of dictionaries available, how they differ, and why understanding these differences is essential for effective language use and research.
What are the main categories of dictionaries discussed?
The work covers general dictionaries (unabridged vs. abridged), language-based categories (monolingual, bilingual, bilingualised), and a wide range of specialized dictionaries.
What is the difference between a prescriptive and a descriptive dictionary?
A prescriptive dictionary aims to dictate how a language should be used (setting a standard), whereas a descriptive dictionary documents how a language is actually used by speakers, including non-standard or informal forms.
Which scientific approach does the author use?
The author uses a comparative and analytical approach, classifying dictionary types by their function, size, and intended audience, supported by historical context and examples.
What is the significance of the word "engine" in this study?
The word "engine" was chosen as a constant reference point to demonstrate how the same term is treated differently across various types of dictionaries.
Which key terms define this research?
The research is characterized by terms such as lexicography, unabridged, prescriptive, descriptive, and functional classification of reference tools.
Why was Webster's Third considered controversial?
It was controversial because it adopted a descriptive approach, documenting "colloquial" and "slang" terms, which traditionalists felt threatened the standard of the English language.
What does a bilingualised dictionary offer?
A bilingualised dictionary combines the features of a monolingual learner's dictionary with translations, providing both definitions in the target language and equivalent translations for clarity.
Are online dictionaries as effective as printed ones?
The author concludes that while online resources are convenient, they generally do not reach the depth and reliability of established, high-quality traditional dictionaries.
- Quote paper
- Andishe Gottlieb (Author), 2005, Different types of dictionaries, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/47246
