Semantics and Pragmatics

This book introduces the rapidly evolving field of electronic lexicography. The aim is to provide a wide overview of the full process of electronic dictionary production and present some of the challenges faced by publishers, editors and lexicographers as well as the benefits offered to a wide range of users language learners, translators and professionals. Throughout the book particular focus is placed on user needs and the functionalities of electronic dictionaries that are designed to meet them. The volume contains chapters introducing some innovative dictionary projects and surveys of dictionary use. One of the hallmarks of the volume is that it is not limited to English but touches on a range of other languages (Bantu languages, French, German, Russian, Slovene, Spanish as well as sign language). Another key feature of the volume is that it embraces a wide range of lexicographic theories and practices.

This book epitomizes the history of Roget's Thesaurus as the merger of a dictionary of synonyms and a topical, i.e. non-alphabetical, dictionary. It has all the linguistic features of a text. Its many editions between 1852 and 2002 are marked by special lexicographical as well as socio-political elements. It has adopted a model function with respect to other languages as, for example, German, French, and Spanish. Its most outstanding feature, the semantic order of its words, is illustrated by a comparison with John Wilkins' ‘Tables’. It can be used as a starting point for an inquiry into the serial structure of the mental lexicon. It has special potential for cognitive investigation and didactic application. In a final analysis, the book argues that synonymy, as made practical in every thesaurus, is indispensable for human communication by language.