Abstract

The close interaction between linguistics and lexicography over the last few decades has had many good effects, not least of which has been the development of a theoretical framework or metalexicography. However, this close link has had an unfortunate result: the marginalisation in the theoretical debate of nonlinguistic dictionaries and especially of the encyclopaedia. In this article, semantic, lexicographical and pragmatic motivations will be given for a renewed interest in encyclopaedias. The revolution caused by CD-ROM encyclopaedias and the benefits they hold for a large spectrum of users, will be the most important pragmatic motivations addressed. <i>Microsoft Encarta 99 Encyclopedia</i> will act as a guide for the exploration of the impact this revolution has had on the ideas of user-friendliness and dictionary accessibility. Finally, a future is envisioned in which the Internet will be the logical culmination of the ultimate potential of computers as accessible, user-friendly reference tools.<b>Keywords:</b> access structure; active cross-references; cd-rom encyclopaedia; dictionary accessibility; encyclopaedia; guide structures; inner access structure; inner search path; internet; linguistic dictionary; mediostructure; multimedia; nonlinguistic dictionary; outer access structure; outer search path; passive cross-referencing; user-friendliness

Highlights

  • The interaction between linguistics and lexicography has been fruitful through the years

  • This partnership has led to the birth of a theoretical framework or "metalexicography" (Wiegand 1984: 15) within which it is possible to survey "the history of lexicography" and learn from it, establish "a general theory of lexicography", do "research on dictionary use" and critically evaluate dictionaries

  • In Wiegand's general theory of lexicography, dictionary typology is viewed as "a major component ... since many of the statements in this theory have to be formulated relative to the typology" (Wiegand 1984: 17)

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Summary

Introduction

The interaction between linguistics and lexicography has been fruitful through the years. Since many of the statements in this theory have to be formulated relative to the typology" (Wiegand 1984: 17) This claim is supported by the current emphasis in meta- and practical lexicography on the needs of the dictionary user. All the information he/she requires (including pictures) is available at home on computer These developments do not render their predecessors obsolete, and there will probably still be a market for printed dictionaries and encyclopaedias. One of the most successful family reference works is brought to the market by Microsoft, the creators of the Windows interface and operating system Most of these encyclopaedias, including Microsoft Encarta, have been available for some time, and with a new, updated version appearing every year the compilers have taken care to maintain the pace and gain any possible advantage over competitors. The result is that Encarta 99 is a formidable opponent combining the latest technology with a solid, well-researched informative text as part of the microstructure

The microstructure
The outer access structure
The inner access structure
The mediostructure
Other helpful additions
Inserted inner texts
Towards the future
Other sources
Full Text
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