Doctoral Degrees (Afrikaans and Dutch)

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Browsing Doctoral Degrees (Afrikaans and Dutch) by Subject "Access structure"

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    A theoretical model for an encyclopaedic dictionary for the Gabonese languages with reference to Yilumbu
    (Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2010-03) Saphou-Bivigat, Gilles; Gouws, R. H.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Afrikaans and Dutch.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This dissertation is an attempt to design a theoretical model for an encyclopaedic dictionary for Gabonese languages. It makes specific reference to Yilumbu, a developing language of the Bantu phylum (B44, according to Guthrie’s classification) spoken in Gabon and in Congo. All existing metalexicographic studies on Gabonese languages (including Yilumbu) pursue the compilation of comprehensive language dictionaries. Most of them are bilingual languages. On the other hand, a number of encyclopaedic dictionaries exist for Gabonese languages. Most of them were compiled by Catholic and Protestant missionaries and colonial administrators. However, none of these reference works was compiled on the basis of a prior metalexicographic orientation. Ultimately, the present study is the first of its kind to propose an encyclopaedic dictionary for Gabonese languages on the basis of a comprehensive metalexicographic analysis. This dissertation also shows that the planned encyclopaedic dictionary reflects the language planning needs of Gabon. Developing and documenting the Gabonese languages on all levels of communication in order to address all the roles and user characteristics are a great challenge. As far as encyclopaedic dictionary compilation is concerned, acquaintance with state-of-the-art developments in the theory and practice of lexicography is necessary. This dissertation comprises nine chapters. Chapter 1 mainly focuses on the specific aims, the purpose and the motivation of the study. The research problem is also demarcated in this chapter. Furthermore, the chapter presents the theoretical model that provides the framework for this research as well as the methodological approach adopted. The potential impact of the study, the reasons for and the position of the source and target languages as well as the sociolinguistic situation of Yilumbu are also introduced in the first chapter. Chapter 2 is a review of the dictionary typology with reference to the proposed model. It aims to present a typological framework for the planned encyclopaedic dictionary. It also introduces various dictionary typologies and contrasts encyclopaedic lexicography and general lexicography. The chapter concludes with a typological profile of the planned encyclopaedic dictionary for Yilumbu before outlining specific principles of the proposed model for an encyclopaedic dictionary. Chapter 3 is a review of encyclopaedic lexicography in Gabon. It introduces the concept of encyclopaedic lexicography. Then it provides a literature review of lexicographic surveys in the Gabonese languages by presenting existing encyclopaedic works in Gabon. The chapter also outlines recent trends in Gabonese lexicography in order to explain the situation of encyclopaedic lexicography in Gabonese lexicographic studies. Finally, the need for research in encyclopaedic lexicography in the Gabonese languages is underlined and specific advantages of encyclopaedic research for Yilumbu lexicography are introduced. Chapter 4 focuses on the target users of the planned encyclopaedic dictionary and its lexicographic functions. The chapter starts with a broad outline of target users and the activity of dictionary compilation. It also reviews what is known as target users and outlines user characteristics. The lexicographic functions of the planned encyclopaedic dictionary are also outlined in this chapter. Chapter 5 gives a comprehensive presentation of the frame structure of the planned encyclopaedic dictionary of Yilumbu. More specifically, the chapter provides a definition of the concept of frame structure and schematises the frame structure, highlighting its components. It outlines the accessory texts and the outer texts of the planned dictionary. This chapter also contains an outline of the front matter and the back matter strategies used for the Yilumbu encyclopaedic dictionary project. The central word list is also dealt with in this chapter. Finally, the chapter reports on the proposed frame structure functions. Chapter 6 focuses on the macrostructure of the planned dictionary. In this chapter, a general overview of the concept of macrostructure is first given. Then the chapter presents the dictionary basis and the selection of the lemma candidate list. Further macrostructural issues are also described. In Chapter 7, different aspects of the microstructure are discussed, focusing on a number of contributions. The chapter presents the concept of microstructure according to Hausmann and Wiegand (1989) and enumerates the different types of article to be included in the microstructure. Data to be included in the microstructure are also presented. Chapter 8 discusses the notion of access structure and its related concepts, namely outer access structure, inner access structure and search zones. The effectiveness and success of any dictionary is measured, among other things, by the accessibility and retrievability of the desired information. The chapter contains an overview of the concept of access structure and also deals with the outer access structure. Moreover, the chapter presents the inner access structure and the rapid access structure. The mediostructure is finally dealt with as a way of gaining access to data. Chapter 9 provides a comprehensive conclusion of the dissertation. This chapter also outlines the contribution of the research findings to lexicographic research, to the emerging Gabonese lexicography and to the fuller promotion of the Yilumbu language. It provides conclusions and formulates suggestions for further research.