There is a vast amount of different dictionaries available for users of the English
language. All these dictionaries share the aspect that they provide information about
English words and items, but they are also very different and need to be
distinguished from each other. One may need a dictionary in one case and the same
dictionary may be absolutely useless when one tries to solve another problem.
“Monolingual learners’, general monolingual, and bilingual dictionaries present a problem:
in spite of what may be advertised on the outside cover of these texts, no single
dictionary can adequately serve all users. A variety of dictionaries is required to suit the
backgrounds, needs, and expectations of individual language learners” (BATTENBURG
24).
So different users and different questions require different dictionaries. One needs to
know where to find the information asked for in a particular case, and one certainly
needs more than one dictionary for different aspects of the English language. To
avoid getting lost here, it is necessary to distinguish between the different types of
dictionaries that exist.
This report provides some suggestions for distinction, amongst other things
established through empiric research.
First, an outline of the different types of dictionaries is given, including general
dictionaries (monolingual, bilingual), learner’s dictionaries, historical dictionaries and
encyclopedias.
Moreover, the typical structure of an entry in a dictionary is explained, because the
dictionary entries examined later are mainly checked according to these parts of an
entry; it is looked what parts they in- or exclude and how the parts are realized.
After the theoretical part, the empiric research is documented. Five dictionaries
(monolingual American and British, bilingual English-German, learner’s dictionary,
historical dictionary) and one encyclopedia are compared in the way that three
different items (general, encyclopedic, and regional) are looked up and the entries
are compared in order to find differences and in this way get a guideline how and
when to consult what dictionary.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 1. Definition: What Is a Dictionary?
- 2. Different Types of Dictionaries
- 2.1 Dictionaries
- 2.2 Encyclopedias
- 3. The Organisation of a Dictionary Entry
- 4. Dictionaries Examined in this Report
- 5. Empirical Examination of Dictionary Entries
- 5.1 The General Item
- 5.2 The Encyclopedic Item
- 5.3 The Regional Item
- 6. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This report aims to distinguish between different types of English dictionaries and analyze their usefulness for various user needs. It explores the criteria for differentiating dictionaries from encyclopedias and examines the structural organization of dictionary entries. The report also presents empirical research comparing several dictionaries' handling of different types of entries.
- Defining and differentiating various types of dictionaries (monolingual, bilingual, learner's dictionaries, etc.)
- Analyzing the structure and components of dictionary entries.
- Comparing the treatment of different word types (general, encyclopedic, regional) across various dictionaries.
- Evaluating the suitability of different dictionaries for diverse user needs and purposes.
- Understanding the limitations of individual dictionaries and the need for a variety of resources.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the vast diversity of English dictionaries and the need to differentiate between them based on user needs and the type of information sought. It highlights the inadequacy of a single dictionary to serve all users and the necessity of understanding the various types of dictionaries available. The chapter sets the stage for the subsequent analysis of different dictionary types and their structural components.
1. Definition: What Is a Dictionary?: This chapter provides a working definition of a dictionary, highlighting its core characteristics: alphabetical arrangement, concise information provision, and focus on words or topics. It expands on the various aspects of dictionary use, considering the information provided (meaning, pronunciation, etymology, etc.), operations performed (finding meanings, translating, etc.), users (ranging from children to scholars), and diverse purposes (language learning, crossword solving, academic writing, etc.). The chapter emphasizes the variations in information across dictionaries due to size and type.
2. Different Types of Dictionaries: This chapter categorizes different types of dictionaries. It differentiates between dictionaries and encyclopedias. Within dictionaries, it distinguishes between bilingual and monolingual dictionaries. Monolingual dictionaries are further subdivided into dictionaries for native speakers (characterized by complex language use and inclusion of technical vocabulary) and learner's dictionaries (designed to meet the needs of non-native speakers). The chapter also briefly discusses the exclusion of thesauruses from its scope due to structural differences.
Keywords
English dictionaries, bilingual dictionaries, monolingual dictionaries, learner's dictionaries, encyclopedias, dictionary entries, lexicography, empirical research, word types, user needs.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this report?
This report focuses on analyzing different types of English dictionaries, distinguishing them from encyclopedias, and examining their usefulness for various user needs. It investigates the structure of dictionary entries and presents empirical research comparing how different dictionaries handle various entry types.
What types of dictionaries are discussed?
The report discusses various dictionary types, including monolingual dictionaries (for native and non-native speakers – learner's dictionaries), bilingual dictionaries, and it explicitly differentiates dictionaries from encyclopedias. Thesauruses are excluded due to their structural differences.
How are dictionaries differentiated from encyclopedias?
The report establishes criteria for differentiating dictionaries from encyclopedias. While both provide information, dictionaries primarily focus on words, their meanings, and related linguistic information, arranged alphabetically, while encyclopedias offer broader, more detailed information on subjects or topics.
What is the structure of a typical dictionary entry according to this report?
The report analyzes the structural organization of dictionary entries, examining their components and how these components vary across different dictionary types. Specific components are not explicitly detailed, but the analysis suggests aspects such as meaning, pronunciation, etymology, and usage examples are considered.
What kind of empirical research is included?
The report includes empirical research comparing several dictionaries' handling of different types of entries. This involves comparing how general, encyclopedic, and regional items are treated in various dictionaries.
What are the key objectives of this report?
The report aims to define and differentiate various dictionary types, analyze the structure of dictionary entries, compare the treatment of different word types across dictionaries, evaluate dictionary suitability for diverse user needs, and understand the limitations of individual dictionaries.
What are the key themes explored?
Key themes include the diversity of English dictionaries, the need for varied resources to meet diverse user needs, the structural differences between dictionaries and encyclopedias, the analysis of dictionary entry components, and the empirical comparison of different dictionaries' approaches to various entry types.
What are the chapter summaries provided?
The report provides chapter summaries covering an introduction establishing the need for diverse dictionaries, a chapter defining dictionaries, a chapter categorizing different dictionary types, and a concluding chapter. Each summary briefly explains the contents and purpose of the respective chapter.
What keywords are associated with this report?
Keywords include English dictionaries, bilingual dictionaries, monolingual dictionaries, learner's dictionaries, encyclopedias, dictionary entries, lexicography, empirical research, word types, and user needs.
For whom is this report intended?
While the text doesn't explicitly state the target audience, the comprehensive nature of the analysis and the inclusion of empirical research suggest it is intended for academic use, potentially researchers or students in lexicography or related fields.
- Quote paper
- Mirja Schnoor (Author), 2003, Different Types of Dictionaries, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/14815
