АN OVERVIEW OF MONOLINGUAL ONLINE DICTIONARIES OF THE SERBIAN LANGUAGE

Abstract

By utilising the descriptive method, in this paper we have presented the current state of Serbian lexicography. Specifically, we emphasised the quantity and quality of free digital dictionaries. We based our research on the fact that dictionaries are an essential learning tool in a language classroom and that there is a wide choice of online dictionaries for many foreign languages. By viewing the data synchronically and analysing monolingual online Serbian dictionaries, we can conclude the following: 1) the supply, number and quality of available digital Serbian dictionaries is not satisfactory, especially ones that are free of charge; 2) Serbian lexicography lacks one solid, reliable online dictionary that is founded on scientific and lexicological methods; 3) in the existing dictionaries all the elements of a dictionary entry are not present (part of speech, case, grammatical gender, grammatical number, audio recording of pronunciation, synonyms, idioms, and even full-fledged definitions and contexts of use). By using dictionaries in the classroom we can improve not only a student’s knowledge of lexicography, but we can also enrich their vocabulary, develop their wording and ways to express themselves, and improve their functional literacy. Thus, the role, importance and need for online dictionaries is vital.