Abstract
Having reviewed the first and third editions of A Dictionary of South African English in earlier publications, the author examines the fourth edition. He suggests a number of improvements with respect to several aspects of the dictionary, ranging from superficial, though important, matters (like layout and typography) to the most difficult aspects of lexicography (definition and etymology). Keywords: abbreviation, acronym, afrikaans, american english, black english, british english, consultant vs. researcher, contrastive linguistics, corpus-delimitation, dictionary, dutch, english, entry head, etymology, graphic illustration, hebrew, jewish english, judezmo, letterword, lexicography, new netherland dutch, northeastern yiddish, prescriptivism, south african english, western yiddish, yiddish
Highlights
Having reviewed the first and third editions of A Dictionary of South African English in earlier publications, the author examines the fourth edition
On The compilers label use of this preposition in sentences like "For details contact Mr Wessels on 94 2632" as nonstandard.ll It is acceptable in British English and Australian English, where it is not of Afrikaans origin, one wonders whether they are right in attributing it to Afrikaans influence on South African English
Rather: < Afk. tot sims < Dutch tot ziens =Dutch tot + Dutch ziens.25 tawn house The etymology given for this word as used in both South African and American English may be expanded: until a few years ago, tawn house was used in American English only in its traditional sense of 'urban mansion [in contrast to its owner's or occupant's country residence]'
Summary
The fourth edition of A Dictionary of South African English, like its three predecessors, contains a wealth of useful material gathered during thousands of hours of reading, listening, and querying. Partridgean in its arbitrary use of fonts, punctuation, and capitalization, in its placement of material, and in its not infrequent self-contradictions.5o Strict adherence to a style sheet and careful application of methods in contemporary linguistics, especially lexicography and etymology, are suggested.
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