Not mere lexicographic cosmetics : the compilation and structural features of Isichazamazwi SezoMculo
Date
2009
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Bureau of the WAT
Abstract
This article offers a brief overview of the compilation of the Ndebele music terms dictionary, Isichazamazwi SezoMculo (henceforth the ISM), paying particular attention to its structural features. It emphasises that the reference needs of the users as well as their reference skills should be given a determining role in all lexicographic decisions leading to the publication of a dictionary. Dictionary structure should, therefore, be conceived and evaluated in terms of its data constituents and the accessibility of these data. Accordingly, this article demonstrates that the structure of the ISM is not a case of mere cosmetics but a lexicographic mode of communication between the dictionary compilers and users who are participants in a lexicographic communication process. In this way, the article highlights some of the challenges encountered during the compilation of the ISM and the strategies the compilers employed to facilitate the communication process between the lexicographers and the users regarding dictionary contents and the arrangement thereof. From such a perspective, this article may provide useful insights for LSP lexicography in African languages, prospects of which are based on the increased need for knowledge acquisition and dissemination as well as the multilingual nature of African societies.
Description
CITATION: Moyo, N. & Nkomo, D. 2009. Not mere lexicographic cosmetics : the compilation and structural features of Isichazamazwi SezoMculo. Lexikos, 19:51-70, doi:10.5788/19-1-179.
The original publication is available at http://lexikos.journals.ac.za
The original publication is available at http://lexikos.journals.ac.za
Keywords
Lexicography, Ndebele language (South Africa) -- Dictionaries
Citation
Moyo, N. & Nkomo, D. 2009. Not mere lexicographic cosmetics : the compilation and structural features of Isichazamazwi SezoMculo. Lexikos, 19:51-70, doi:10.5788/19-1-179.