Detection and lexicographic treatment of salient features in e-dictionaries for African languages. (27th November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Prinsloo, D J
• Is Part Of: International journal of lexicography. Volume 33:Number 3(2020)
• Page Start: 269
• Page End: 287
• Publication Date: 2019-11-27
• Subjects: E-dictionaries -- African languages -- support systems -- text production -- text reception -- information on demand -- Sepedi -- Northern Sotho; Lexicography -- Periodicals; 413.028
• DOI: 10.1093/ijl/ecz031
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-3846

Abstract

Abstract: As for many e-dictionaries across the globe, e-dictionaries for African languages embarked on the unfortunate route of being 'paper dictionaries on computer' often simply enhanced with additional search features or simply by perpetuating the practice followed in paper dictionaries of compiling e-dictionaries which are just translated word lists. In this article it will be argued that e-dictionaries for African languages should firstly be compiled through maximum utilization of 'true electronic' features enabled by the computer era. Secondly, specific attention should be given to the salient features of the Bantu language family, taking Sepedi (Northern Sotho) as a case in point. Thirdly attention is given to the issue of dictionary survival in the information era and how innovative e-support systems can contribute to ensure that future dictionaries will remain the preferred point of departure for users for information retrieval.