Abstract
An important aspect for any lexicographer to consider is the ease with which users will be able to acquire the necessary information from the data presented in the dictionary, whether electronic or printed. Furthermore, this aspect has high priority with users and reviewers. A distinction is proposed between two general types of lexicographical information costs. Firstly, searchrelated costs are the effort required by the look-up activities users have to perform when consulting a dictionary to find access to the data they are searching for. It is argued that the access route, article structure, data distribution and cross-references may influence search-related information costs positively as well as negatively. Secondly, comprehension-related costs are the effort connected to the user's ability to understand and interpret the data presented in a dictionary. In other words: How easy or difficult is it for users to understand the data presented? Examples show how textual condensation, dictionary functions and use-situations may impact on the level of comprehensionrelated information costs. It is thus possible to establish a framework for evaluating lexicographical information costs for the purpose of dictionary making, use, analysis and research. Keywords: LEXICOGRAPHY, DICTIONARY, INFORMATION COSTS, ACCESS ROUTES, DISTRIBUTION STRUCTURE, CROSS-REFERENCES, TEXTUAL CONDENSATION, DICTIONARY ARTICLES, SEARCH ZONES, DATA, INFORMATION, DICTIONARY FUNCTIONS, USE-SITUATIONS
Highlights
When we consult dictionaries we are in effect seeking knowledge, but acquiring knowledge involves costs, whether we are aware of it or not
It is not uncommon to find children's editions of books originally written for adult readers, which have been adapted for children in a language they can understand, for instance the Encyclopedia Britannica 2007 Children's Encyclopedia
The wording and presentation of data in the articles, for instance a high degree of textual condensation in definitions, may increase the information costs. It is clear from the above description of lexicographical information costs that the concept relates to the search for and interpretation of texts or text parts in dictionaries, but it is relevant to determine its sphere of application
Summary
When we consult dictionaries we are in effect seeking knowledge, but acquiring knowledge involves costs, whether we are aware of it or not. One of the reasons for our unhappiness with the result of our consultation may be that we did not acquire the information we hoped we would gain by looking up a word in the dictionary. I will look at some of the factors that may frustrate the process of consulting dictionaries. This involves an examination of the communicative role of dictionaries and the laying of a theoretical foundation of the relation between their data and the information users may acquire.
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