Abstract
Wiegand (1984) introduced dictionary criticism as a formal component of a general theory of lexicography. Since then many scholars have focused on various aspects of dictionary criticism. In this article a distinction is made between two major types of dictionary criticism, i.e. the review of metalexicographical literature and the review of dictionaries. In the review of dictionaries different types can be identified, i.e. a short discussion without a critical evaluation, a more comprehensive review, a review article, reaction to a review or a review article, a peer review and the evaluation of a dictionary as a part of a bigger metalexicographical contribution. This article gives a brief discussion of the scope of dictionary criticism and looks at some criteria for dictionary reviews before focusing on aspects of dictionary reviews in the Scandinavian journal of lexicography LexicoNordica and the South African lexicography journal Lexikos . A comparison is made between the reviews in these two journals, identifying striking similarities and differences. It is also shown that the reviews in Lexikos frequently refer to topics that are not as relevant to LexicoNordica . This is due to the fact that dictionaries reflect something of the linguistic and cultural environment where they are published. Proposals are made to enhance the quality of reviews in Lexikos and to help ensure a stronger theoretical approach to reviews as a genre that elevates the metalexicographic discourse and improves the dictionary culture of a given community.
Highlights
In the development of lexicography as an academic discipline different theoretical approaches have come to the fore, focusing on a variety of features and components relevant to lexicographic theory
Renewed recent interest in dictionary criticism resulted in two conferences in April and June 2016 with dictionary criticism as theme, hosted respectively by the University of Silesia (Katowice, Poland) and the Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (Erlangen, Germany) under the auspices of the consortium of EMLex, i.e. the European Masters in Lexicography, a prominent new role player on the international lexicographic scene
This article gives a brief discussion of the scope of dictionary criticism and looks at some criteria for dictionary reviews before focusing on aspects of dictionary reviews in the Scandinavian journal of lexicography LexicoNordica and the South African lexicography journal Lexikos
Summary
In the development of lexicography as an academic discipline different theoretical approaches have come to the fore, focusing on a variety of features and components relevant to lexicographic theory. Renewed recent interest in dictionary criticism resulted in two conferences in April and June 2016 with dictionary criticism as theme, hosted respectively by the University of Silesia (Katowice, Poland) and the Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (Erlangen, Germany) under the auspices of the consortium of EMLex, i.e. the European Masters in Lexicography, a prominent new role player on the international lexicographic scene. Proceedings of these conferences will be published towards the end of 2016 in the book series Lexicographica Series Maior. A comparison is made between the reviews in these two journals, identifying striking similarities and differences
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
