Old wisdom : the highly relevant lexicographical knowledge obtained from a specialized dictionary from 1774

Date
2013
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Bureau of the WAT
Abstract
There is little doubt that lexicography has experienced important progress during the years, especially when one compare the lexicographical works from the various centuries. However, history should not be viewed as an ever-growing progress but as a process with its ups and downs. In this respect, some old lexicographical works, especially from the Age of Enlightenment, are in some aspects extremely advanced even compared with present-day dictionaries. Malachy Postlethwayt's Universal Dictionary of Trade and Commerce from 1774 is one such example. The article provides a general presentation of this rare and interesting dictionary which was published in various editions in the 18th century. The presentation includes a detailed description of the objective, functions, structure, and content of this impressive work. The article then focuses on its cognitive and operative functions, and the way they are integrated into one and the same reference work. Upon this basis, the article shows how modern lexicography can use past experiences in order to meet the real and practical needs of present-day users.
Description
The original publication is available at http://lexikos.journals.ac.za/pub/article/view/1221
Keywords
Lexicography, Lexicography -- History
Citation
Tarp, S. 2013. Old wisdom: the highly relevant lexicographical knowledge obtained from a specialized dictionary from 1774. Lexikos, 23:394-413, doi:10.5788/23-1-1221.