Sahibs, Nabobs and Boxwallahs. A Dictionary of the Words of Anglo-India – the critical analysis of the dictionary on historical principles

Abstract

The outer circle varieties of the English language have constituted the object of multi-disciplinary researches for several decades; nevertheless, the shortage in the lexicographic analysis is still being felt. The article presented aims at the filling of this lacuna and at the opening of new perspectives in the understanding of lexicographic works formation and enhancement processes. Thus, the subject of the research is constituted by historical lexicography of the English language in India; the dictionary on historical principles Sahibs, Nabobs and Boxwallahs. A Dictionary of the Words of Anglo-India, compiled by Ivor Lewis and published by OUP makes the object of the investigation. The methodology of the research leis in dictionary critical analysis, which empowers the reconstruction of cultural and historical peculiarities of the British presence in India. Despite the fact that the dictionary data sources refer to the XVIII – XIX c. the lexicographic work itself reflects the contemporary view on Anglo-Indian culture, successfully fills current terminological gaps and ranks high among historical and cultural works depicting conditions and processes of Indian English evolution.