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TYPOLOGY OF ENGLISH DICTIONARIES
Xalmirzayev Muxammadaziz Baxtiyorjon ugli
BENEFIT SCHOOL NTM teacher
Email: peaceful-soul@mail.ru Tel: +998 99 329 99 69
Toshboyeva Munisaxon Otaboy kizi
University of Business and Science teacher
Email: munisaxontoshboeva92@gmail.com Tel: +998 88 251 2772
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13906871
Abstract:
The main emphasis in the article is on the stages of the emergence of English
lexicology, the types and forms of the first dictionary samples. In addition, the information on
the audience of the dictionaries and the suggestions of lexicographers on the types of
dictionaries was comparatively analyzed.
Key words:
Lexicography, general and special dictionaries, etymology, synchronic.
It appears that lexicographic culture can also be done using the linguistic and cultural
dictionary. Since concepts are the fundamental building blocks of linguoculture, the emergence
of concept dictionaries is an indication that the field is maturing as a science—a sign that takes
the shape of information being recorded in dictionaries, as noted fairly by Yu.N. Karaulov. The
study of concepts in language and culture has advanced to the point where developing a
conceptuary is now a legitimate job.
The following thesis presents a comprehensive historical survey of English lexicography,
tracing the evolution of English dictionaries from their earliest forms to the sophisticated
classification systems used today. Dictionaries serve as invaluable repositories of information
regarding a language's pronunciation, grammar, history, etymology, and translations.
Additionally, they play a pivotal role in facilitating intercultural communication. The roots of
English lexicography can be traced back to medieval England, where early lexicographers
produced the first comprehensive dictionaries. However, it was not until the 17th century that
dictionaries began to resemble their modern counterparts. Robert Cawdrey’s "A Table
Alphabeticall" (1604) is widely considered to be the first English dictionary. While this is a
significant milestone, it is important to acknowledge the contributions of earlier lexicographers
such as Sir Thomas Elyot, who published the Latin-English "Bibliotheca Eliotae" in 1538. Early
dictionaries were often thematically organized, covering topics such as celestial bodies,
animals, plants, and natural phenomena. Over time, lexicographers drew upon these earlier
works to create more comprehensive and systematic dictionaries. The 17th century marked a
turning point in the development of English lexicography, with the emergence of more
substantial and systematically organized dictionaries. Thomas Blount’s "Glossographia" (1656)
was one of the first attempts to classify dictionaries into general and specialized categories.
Samuel Johnson's "A Dictionary of the English Language" (1755) made a significant
contribution to the field, although his classification system was not as explicit. The 19th century
witnessed further advancements in English lexicography, with lexicographers such as Noah
Webster and James Murray making significant contributions. Webster's "An American
Dictionary of the English Language" (1828) introduced a classification based on the dictionary's
intended purpose, categorizing dictionaries into school, academic, and universal types.
Murray's "The New English Dictionary on Historical Principles" (1884-1928) was a
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monumental work that emphasized the historical development of words and divided
dictionaries into synchronic and diachronic categories. In the 20th century, lexicographers
such as Zgusta, Cruz, Hartmann, Landau, Sinclair, and Hanston refined and expanded upon
existing classification systems, considering factors such as the dictionary's purpose, target
audience, and scope. These scholars developed more sophisticated typologies based on criteria
such as whether a dictionary is prescriptive or descriptive, general or specialized, and
monolingual or multilingual.
"Dictionaries are valuable repositories of information about a language's pronunciation,
grammar, history, etymology, and translations. They are also essential tools for effective
intercultural communication. The development and popularization of English lexicography
have a long history. We can find the earliest examples of comprehensive English dictionaries in
the works of lexicographers from medieval England. From 1604 onwards, dictionaries began
to take on the form we recognize today. Robert Cawdrey’s "A Table Alphabeticall" is widely
considered to be the first English dictionary, although earlier works by lexicographers such as
Sir Thomas Elyot laid the groundwork. According to A.H. Murray, many dictionaries created
between the 11th and 15th centuries were thematically organized, covering topics like celestial
bodies, animals, plants, and natural phenomena. Subsequent dictionaries built upon these
earlier works, becoming more comprehensive and accessible. The 17th century saw the
emergence of full-fledged English dictionaries, leading to the development of classification
systems. Thomas Blount's "Glossographia" was one of the earliest attempts to categorize
dictionaries into general and specialized types. Samuel Johnson's "A Dictionary of the English
Language" made significant contributions to the field, although his classification system was
less explicit.
The 19th century brought about further advancements in English lexicography, with
lexicographers like Noah Webster and James Murray making notable contributions. Webster's
"An American Dictionary of the English Language" introduced a classification based on the
dictionary's purpose, while Murray's "The New English Dictionary on Historical Principles"
emphasized the historical development of words. In the 20th century, lexicographers such as
Zgusta, Cruz, Hartmann, Landau, Sinclair, and Hanston refined and expanded upon existing
classification systems, considering factors like the dictionary's purpose, target audience, and
scope. They developed more sophisticated typologies based on whether a dictionary is
prescriptive or descriptive, general or specialized, and monolingual or multilingual. While
dictionaries primarily serve as repositories of words and their meanings, they also encompass
a wide range of information.
The classification of dictionaries has evolved over time, allowing for more precise
categorization based on various criteria such as purpose, scope, and target audience."
In conclusion, dictionaries have played a pivotal role in the development and
understanding of languages, particularly English. From their early thematic organization to
modern-day classification systems, dictionaries have evolved to become comprehensive
repositories of information. They serve as essential tools for language learners, researchers,
and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of a language. Beyond their linguistic value,
dictionaries also contribute to intercultural communication by providing a shared reference
point for understanding and interpreting language. The ongoing development of lexicography
ensures that dictionaries remain relevant and adaptable to the ever-changing landscape of
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language and communication. As technology continues to advance, we can expect dictionaries
to evolve further, incorporating new features and functionalities to meet the needs of diverse
users.
References:
1.
Kusujiro Miyoshi (2017)The first century of English monolingual lexicography,
Cambridge Scholars Publishing.
2.
A.H. Murray (2014) TDK Editorial Collegium.
3.
Lancashire, Ian. (2005) "Samuel Johnson and Seventeenth-century Glossographers."
International Journal of Lexicography.
4.
Bullokar, John. (1971) An English Expositor: Teaching the Interpretation of the Hardest
Words Used in our Language: with sundry Explications, Descriptions and Discourses. Anglistica
and Americana 71. Hildesheim: Olms.
5.
Osselton, Noel. (1980) "Vulgar Errors and Accepted Terms: Sir Thomas Browne and the
Glossographia of 1656." Times and Tide: Writings Offered to Professor A. G. H. Bachrach. Ed. C.
C. Barfoot. Leiden: Rijksuniversiteit te Leiden.
6.
Atkins, B.T.S. & Rundell, Michael (2008) The Oxford Guide to Practical Lexicography,
Oxford: Oxford University Press.
7.
Erdmann, Peter; Cho, See-Young (2010) "A Brief History of English Lexicography".
Technische Universität Berlin.
8.
Ladislav Zgusta(2008) Manual of Lexicography, Mouton.
9.
De Witt T. Starnes and Gertrude E.(1991) The English Dictionary from Cawdrey to
Johnson 1604-1755 John Benjamins Publishing Company Amsterdam/Philadelphia.
