Abstract
The development of theoretical lexicography clearly indicates a movement towards a more general recognition of the role of lexicographic functions. A consistent application of lexico-graphic functions has a major influence on the contents of dictionary articles but also on the data distribution and even the typological classification. In the discussion of lexicographic functions, the emphasis has primarily been on the central list of dictionaries. This article proposes an approach where outer texts are also selected and compiled in order to make an active contribution to achieving the lexicographic functions of a given dictionary. A distinction is made between func-tion-adhering and non-function-adhering outer texts. The function-adhering outer texts can further be divided into integrated and non-integrated function-adhering outer texts. With reference to the data distribution programme of a dictionary, it is suggested that in the planning of every diction-ary, provision should be made for a function allocation programme. This will ensure that the iden-tified functions of a given dictionary will be realised in both the central list and the outer texts. Keywords: back matter texts, central list, cognitive function, data distribution, frame structure, front matter texts, function allocation programme, function-adhering outer texts, functional text parts, integrated function-adhering outer texts, lexicographic functions, non-function-adhering outer texts, non-integrated function-adhering outer texts, outer texts, text production, text reception, transtextual approach
Highlights
Die ontwikkeling van die teoretiese leksikografie toon 'n duidelike beweging in die rigting van 'n groter erkenning aan die rol van leksikografiese funksies. 'n Konsekwente toepassing van leksikografiese funksies het 'n ingrypende invloed op die inhoud van woordeboekartikels maar ook op die dataverspreiding en selfs op die tipologiese klassifikasie
The linguistic contents of dictionaries remained an important aspect of theoretical lexicography, there developed a keen interest in the packaging of this linguistic data and a shift in emphasis towards the structure of dictionaries
Lexicographers do not have to confront their users with technical terms like text production, text reception or cognitive function, but a traditional title may be supplemented by an entry like: "helping with the writing/understanding of texts"
Summary
The development of theoretical lexicography shows a number of significant trends. The lexicographic practice developed in a pre-theoretical era and theoretical lexicography has to be regarded as a relative late-comer, complementing practical lexicography. The full consequence of these changes, and this applies to the emphasis on dictionary structures as well as the subsequent emphasis on lexicographic functions, has not yet been realised — neither in theoretical lexicography nor in lexicographic practice One such example where the implications of lexicographic functions have not yet been applied in a consistent way is the typological classification of dictionaries where the traditional typological models are still largely utilised. Dictionaries more often than not employ front and back matter texts as venues for a more comprehensive data distribution, these outer texts are too often selected on either an arbitrary or a traditional basis; traditional in the sense that it exclusively relies on the pattern followed in other dictionaries without any innovative approaches in terms of new types of outer texts or a new way of presenting data in these texts Too seldom they are employed to enhance the realisation of the lexicographic functions of a specific dictionary. First some comments will be made regarding the status of outer texts, especially the user's guide text, as targets of dictionary consultation procedures
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