The Principles and Elements of School Dictionaries with an Evaluation of Some Kurdish School Dictionaries

Abstract

The present study tackles the lexicographicalstandards, criteria and properties that are required for the compilationof school dictionaries. The school dictionaries refer to thesedictionaries used in the successive stages of schools to assist thestudents in language learning. This pedagogical tool is overused by theschool students side by side with the other pedagogical subjects; theschool dictionary is used not only for looking up the meaning ofvocabularies, but also for pronunciation, spelling, grammar,synonymy, antonym, use of words, and etymology. These dictionariesshould be provided with a simple language, clear definitions,explanations, illustrative examples, and fascinating colorful pictures.The advancement of technology has extremely influenced the schooldictionaries because various types of newly invented and ornamentaltools have made these dictionaries more interesting and attractive; thisincreases the students’ favor for using and reading. This study aims toprovide a comprehensive account for the school dictionaries and itprobes into the scientific standards of lexicography existing in these