Zur Konzeption eines einsprachigen deutschen Lernerworterbuchs : Vorschlage fur die lexikographische Textgestaltung aus benutzerorientierter Perspektive
Date
1997-03
Authors
Van der Colff, Adri
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
Objective: This study presents a conception for compiling a monolingual German
learner's dictionary. It is a theoretical blueprint which formulates guidelines regarding the
choice and treatment ofinformation types suited for inclusion in such a dictionary. The
conception is ''user oriented". In other words, its main focus is on the target users: nonnative
speakers ofGerman who have reached an intermediate level of proficiency in their
active and passive usage ofthe language. The deciding factor when suggestions are made
regarding the selection, arrangement and typographical appearance of all lexicographical
information is its relevance for this target group. In order for it to be an aid to foreign
language learners while reading, writing and translating texts, information is presented in a
simple and an easily retrievable way. The conception also aspires to help learners
overcome their communicative problems and needs as well as to improve their linguistic
competence. However, the ultimate aim ofthis dissertation is not only to provide a
theoretical blueprint for a German learner's dictionary, but to have some practical
significance as well. It is hoped that these recommendations will go some way towards
stimulating the presently underdeveloped German pedagogical lexicographical practice.
Contents: The study is structured to include all the vital aspects that are ofsignificance
for the compilation of a learner's dictionary. It begins with a discussion of a number of
pedagogical-lexicographical issues, such as the role of a learner's dictionary as a means of
improving communicative proficiency in language teaching. The focus then moves on to
the main objective, namely concrete proposals for the dictionary blueprint. While these
proposals are based on up-to-date metalexicographical and linguistic theoretical
conclusions, the deciding factor is that they must be practically applicable. First, the draft
dictionary is typologically characterised by means of a precise and detailed description of
the target user profile and potential usage situation~. Secondly, a discussion of general
criteria, mainly aimed at improving the quick and easy retrieval of linguistic information,
follows. Then, the contents and form ofthose texts that are not within the central
alphabetical wordlist, such as the user's guide and grammar, as well as the internal
reference structure ofthe dictionary (mediostructure) are highlighted. Subsequently, the selection of information in the draft dictionary is examined. This includes both the choice
oflemmas (macrostructural selection) and the collection of linguistic information types
suited for inclusion (microstructural selection). Not only does the conception recommend
a relatively small number oflemmas (15 000), exclusively retrieved from the most
common and frequently used standardised High German, but the number of information
types is also restricted. This results is a low information density which in tum allows for a
low text density and a high degree of accessiblity. Although decisions regarding the
presentation ofvarious lexicographical information categories are linguistically motivated,
linguistic comprehensiveness must occasionally bow the knee before pragmatic
considerations. These improve the reception and retrievablitiy of data and enhance the
user's chances of a sound understanding. A favourable visual presentation, including a
low information density and transparent typographical layout, are also emphasised
throughout. Finally, suggestions for the organisation and presentation oflemmas on the
one hand and individual information types within the dictionary article on the other are
presented. Sample entries provide a clear demonstration of all suggestions. In conclusion,
the wider aspects ofhow the dictionary conceptualised in this thesis can be adapted to
compile specialist pedagogical dictionaries, such as a production dictionary and a bilingual
learner's dictionary which incorporates mother-tongue elements, are presented.
Description
Thesis (DLitt (Modern Foreign Languages))--University of Stellenbosch, 1996.
Keywords
Lexicography, Dissertations -- Modern foreign languages, Theses -- Modern foreign languages