Abstract
Monolingual and bilingual dictionaries for learners of English as foreign language differ from each other in many aspects. Among the differences are the types of information a dictionary provides outside the A–Z word list, especially in its introductory matter. Yet, dictionary introductions have been referred to rather peripherally in the literature on dictionary users and uses. Within the context of lexicographic practice, this study aims to outline the differences between EFL learner's dictionaries and bilingual English–Arabic dictionaries, and to determine to what extent a given set of popular dictionaries provide varied and sufficient information in their introductions. Three categories of dictionaries will be the subject of comparison: EFL dictionaries, European bilingual dictionaries, and bilingual dictionaries in the Arab world. Keywords: bilingual dictionary, introductory matter,English–Arabic, efl learner's dictionary, orientalist dictionary
Highlights
A dictionary introduction is widely regarded in lexicographic circles as an essential source of information in all types of dictionaries
The present study aims to outline the following : (a) Similarities and differences between bilingual and EFL dictionaries in the area of dictionary introductions as well as recent developments regarding this aspect in both types of dictionaries
In order to specify similarities and differences between introductions of bilingual and EFL dictionaries in addition to recent developments, the present study will analyze, compare and criticize the introductory matter in a set of eight dictionaries classified into three categories: (a) European bilingual dictionary: Collins-Robert (French–English/English– French); (b) Bilingual dictionaries of Arabic and English: (i) Bilingual dictionaries compiled by Orientalists: Dictionary of Modern Written Arabic (Arabic–English), Wortabet (Arabic–English), Learner's Dictionary (Arabic–English), (ii) Bilingual dictionaries compiled by Arab lexicographers: Elias' Modern Dictionary (Arabic–English), School Dictionary (Arabic–English/English–Arabic), Al-Mawrid (English–Arabic); (c) EFL dictionary: Oxford Advanced Learners' Dictionary
Summary
A dictionary introduction is widely regarded in lexicographic circles as an essential source of information in all types of dictionaries. There is an obvious need for lexicographers to pay attention to those aspects related to the user's capability of accessing the required dictionary information This can be achieved by a lexicographic re-examination of the role of the introduction to ensure that it provides simplified and sufficient information that may lead to profitable use of the dictionary. Some believe that it is the duty of the dictionary maker to provide the users with all the information they need at the point of entry, because these users rarely refer to their dictionary introductions (Gimson 1973, Stein 1984, Wiegand 1984, Berkov 1990) Another group of lexicographers indicate that many language learners come to the foreign-language learning setting without any background in the use of mother-tongue dictionaries and that there is a need to encourage users to read dictionary introductions and to train them in how to find the required information through a division of work between the dictionary and foreign-language textbooks
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