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

Abstract

Abstract: The present study tackles the lexicographical standards, criteria and properties that are required for the compilation of school dictionaries. The school dictionaries refer to these dictionaries used in the successive stages of schools to assist the students in language learning. This pedagogical tool is overused by the school students side by side with the other pedagogical subjects; the school dictionary is used not only for looking up the meaning of vocabularies, but also for pronunciation, spelling, grammar, synonymy, antonym, use of words, and etymology. These dictionaries should be provided with a simple language, clear definitions, explanations, illustrative examples, and fascinating colorful pictures. The advancement of technology has extremely influenced the school dictionaries because various types of newly invented and ornamental tools have made these dictionaries more interesting and attractive; this increases the students’ favor for using and reading. This study aims to provide a comprehensive account for the school dictionaries and it probes into the scientific standards of lexicography existing in these sorts of dictionaries. It also scrutinizes whether the three Kurdish dictionaries Qutabi Dictionary (Students’ Dictionary) (1985), Qutabi Dictionary (Students’ Dictionary) (2001), and Trife Dictionary (2008) meet the academic standards of lexicography.