Danish Lexicography between Tradition and Innovation: Digital Dictionaries and Needs-adapted Glosses

Abstract

Abstract This article deals with Danish lexicography in the light of the current technological and commercial paradigm shift. It shows that the publication of printed dictionaries has almost ceased, and that most new dictionaries are either digital or digitised versions of older dictionaries. The article focuses first on three very different general dictionaries of Danish, Den Danske Ordbog, Den Danske Netordbog og Retskrivningsordbogen, each of which is described in general terms, with some critical observations and comments. It then lists a number of important dictionaries dealing with Danish dialects, culture and linguistic heritage since the 12th century. It also briefly discusses the challenges posed by an outdated business model from the print era, which has resulted in all traditional publishers closing down, leaving most dictionaries that do not benefit from public funding in the hands of a single major provider. The worrying result is that many of these dictionaries, including some essential bilingual and specialised dictionaries, are no longer being properly updated. Finally, examples are given of how traditional lexicographical glosses have found new life in digital software, such as reading and writing assistants.