Lexicography: An Introduction

Description

This book is an accessible introduction to lexicography – the study of dictionaries. Dictionaries are used at home and at school, cited in law courts, sermons and parliament, and referred to by crossword addicts and Scrabble players alike. Lexicography provides a detailed overview of the history, types and content of these essential references. Howard Jackson analyzes a wide range of dictionaries, from those for native speakers to thematic dictionaries and those on CD-ROM, to reveal the ways in which dictionaries fulfil their dual function of describing the vocabulary of English and providing a useful and accessible reference resource. Beginning with an introduction to the terms used in lexicology to describe words and vocabulary, and offering summaries and suggestions for further reading, Lexicography: An Introduction is highly student-friendly. It is ideal for anyone with an interest in the development and use of dictionaries. Cover Lexicography An introduction Copyright Contents Preface Dictionaries cited 1 Words 2 Facts about words 3 The dictionary 4 The beginnings 5 The New English Dictionary 6 Up to the present 7 Users and uses 8 Meaning in dictionaries 9 Beyond definition 10 Etymology 11 Dictionaries for learners 12 Abandoning the alphabet 13 Compiling dictionaries 14 Criticising dictionaries References Index