A Biblical Hebrew lexicon for translators based on recent developments in theoretical lexicography
Date
2008-03
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
Two main problems that confront existing Biblical Hebrew (BH) dictionaries can be identified.
Firstly, there is a lack of adequate semantic models for the analysis and description of lexemes.
Secondly, data is structured in ways that do not enhance optimal retrieval of desired information
from the dictionary. The failure to take cognizance of the insights from theoretical lexicography
partly explains the state of BH dictionaries. This investigation hypothesizes that current insights
from theoretical lexicography can improve existing lexica and create better ones.
Accumulated insights from the academic community have resulted in the formulation of a theory of
lexicography or metalexicography. In this light, a general lexicographic theory of components and
structures of dictionaries is selected and investigated in order to establish the aspects of BH that can
be improved. The point of departure is the notion of “dictionary criticism”, which focuses on the
critical evaluation of existing dictionaries with the goal of improving them. Though there are other
approaches to assess lexica critically, theoretical lexicography provides justified heuristics for an
objective appraisal of BH dictionaries. These heuristic include notions of “frame structure”,
“lexicographic function,” and “microstructure.” The frame structure focuses on the structural
components of the dictionary book. The lexicographic function places emphasis on the goals that
the dictionary purports to fulfill in the light of its target users. The microstructure hosts the data that
is provided as part of the lexicographic treatment of the lemma sign. In addition, it is the centre of
user’s look up activities, and it hosts other important structural components. The above selected
notions directly affect the extent to which the user benefits from the dictionary and the success of
the dictionary in general.
The criticism of selected BH dictionaries in the light of the above-mentioned reveals that most
dictionaries fall short in certain critical areas. Data types that are provided are either unnecessary or
are not structured in ways that allow optimal and successful retrieval of desired information. Such
inadequacies present evidence that existing BH dictionaries can benefit from the insights of
theoretical lexicography. A model that seeks to ameliorate BH dictionaries is developed primarily
for Bible translators based on selected insights from theoretical lexicography. A trial of this model
of BH lexemes that are selected from different lexical classes demonstrates improved lexica in
terms of the lexicographic function, the selection, and the organization of data. The trial of the
model also highlights areas that need further investigation in the light of current trends in theoretical
lexicography in order to better the quality of BH dictionaries.
Description
Thesis (DLitt (Ancient Studies))--University of Stellenbsoch, 2008.
Keywords
Bible -- Translating, Translating and interpreting -- Lexicography, Lexicography, Encyclopedias and dictionaries -- History and criticism, Hebrew language -- Lexicography, Dissertations -- Ancient studies, Theses -- Ancient studies