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PROBLEMS OF ENGLISH LEXICOGRAPHY IN COMPILING
DICTIONARIES
Jizzakh branch of the National University of Uzbekistan
named after Mirzo Ulugbek
The faculty of Psychology, department of Foreign languages
Philology and foreign languages
Supervisor:
Abduraxmonova Zilola Yoqubjon qizi
Student of group 402-22:
Mamatkulova Malikabonu Gani qizi
Annotation
Lexicography is the art and science of dictionary-making. It involves the
systematic collection, analysis, and organization of words and their meanings, often
resulting in the creation of dictionaries or lexicons. Lexicographers study language
usage, gather information about word origins (etymology), and document various
meanings, pronunciations, and grammatical functions of words.
There are two main types of lexicography: descriptive lexicography, which aims
to observe and record how language is used in practice without prescribing rules, and
prescriptive lexicography, which provides guidelines on correct language usage based
on established norms. The work of lexicographers is essential for understanding
linguistic evolution, supporting language education, translating texts, and preserving
cultural heritage through written records.
In recent years, advancements in technology have transformed lexicography
with the rise of digital dictionaries and online resources that allow for more dynamic
updates and greater accessibility to users worldwide.
Keywords:
dictionary, lexicon, thesaurus, definition, etymology, semantics,
morphology, syntax, usage examples, corpus linguistics, lexical entries, bilingual
dictionaries, glossary, word formation, neologism, descriptive lexicography,
prescriptive lexicography, onomastics, phraseology, semantic fields, problems,
challenges, compiling, editing.
Lexicography is the practice and study of compiling dictionaries. It involves the
systematic collection, analysis, and presentation of words and their meanings, along
with various other linguistic information
Types of Dictionaries
There are several types of dictionaries that lexicographers may create:
- General Dictionaries: These provide definitions for a wide range of words used
in everyday language (e.g., Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary).
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- Specialized Dictionaries: Focus on specific fields or topics (e.g., medical
dictionaries, legal dictionaries).
- Bilingual Dictionaries: Translate words between languages.
- Thesauruses: List synonyms and antonyms rather than definitions.
- Historical Dictionaries: Track the evolution of word meanings over time (e.g.,
Oxford English Dictionary).
Challenges in Lexicography
Lexicographers face several challenges:
1.
Language Change: Languages constantly evolve, with new words
emerging and existing ones changing meaning or falling out of use.
Example:
Old English: Wifmann (woman) → Modern English: woman.
2.
Ambiguity: Many words have multiple meanings that can vary based on
context.
Example:
Head – the organ of a human div; head – to lead, to guide.
English lexicography, the art and science of compiling dictionaries, faces several
challenges. Here are some key problems associated with it:
1.
Language Evolution: The English language is constantly evolving, with
new words being created and old words falling out of use. Lexicographers must keep
pace with these changes to ensure dictionaries remain relevant.
Language evolution refers to the ways in which languages change over time.
Here are some examples across different aspects of evolution:
a)
Vocabulary Changes:
Old English: cwēn → Modern English: queen
Over centuries, spelling and pronunciation shifted.
b)
Introduction of new words due to technology:
Telegraph (19th century) → Internet (20th century) → Smartphone (21st
century).
c)
Semantic Shifts
Word Meaning Change:
Nice (Middle English: foolish) → Modern English: pleasant.
Awful (Old English: full of awe) → Modern English: terrible.
d)
Borrowing from Other Languages
English borrowed words due to contact with other cultures:
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Café (French), kindergarten (German), safari (Swahili).
2.
Variety of English: English is spoken in many dialects and varieties
around the world (e.g., British English, American English, Australian English, etc.).
Deciding which variants to include and how to represent regional differences can be
challenging.
An example of a dialectical difference between British and American English is
the word for the back part of a car used for storage:
British English: boot
American English: trunk
Similarly, there are differences in spelling, vocabulary, and pronunciation, such
as:
British: colour, theatre, flat (apartment)
American: color, theater, apartment
3.
Technological Impact: The rise of digital communication (social media,
texting) has introduced new vocabulary and informal usages that may not fit traditional
standards of language. Lexicographers need to determine which terms deserve
inclusion in formal dictionaries.
The impact of technology on lexicography has revolutionized how dictionaries
are created, updated, and used. Here are examples illustrating the technological impact:
a)
Digital Dictionaries
Example: Online platforms like Merriam-Webster Online or Oxford English
Dictionary (OED) Online.
b)
Corpus Linguistics and Data-Driven Lexicography
Example: Use of corpora like Corpus of Contemporary American English
(COCA) or British National Corpus (BNC).
4.
Cultural Sensitivity: Language reflects culture, and certain terms may
become outdated or offensive over time. Lexicographers must navigate these
sensitivities while providing accurate representations of language usage.
Example: Updating Offensive or Biased Definitions
Word: Eskimo
Traditional Definition: A term used to describe indigenous peoples of Arctic
regions.
Cultural Sensitivity Issue: The term is considered outdated and offensive by
many Inuit and Yupik people.
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Modern Definition: Many dictionaries now replace Eskimo with Inuit or specify
that the term is pejorative.
5.
Technical Vocabulary: Specialized fields (e.g., science, technology)
develop their own jargon that may not be widely understood outside those disciplines.
Including such terms requires careful consideration of audience needs.
Examples of Technical Vocabulary by Field:
a)
Medicine:
Hypertension (high blood pressure).
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).
Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction).
b)
Engineering:
Torque (rotational force).
Cantilever (a beam anchored at only one end).
Nanomaterials (materials engineered at a molecular scale).
6.
User Expectations: Modern users often expect quick access to information
via digital platforms but may not have patience for detailed explanations or historical
context that traditional dictionaries provide.
Example: Words like selfie, vape, or stan became widespread through social
media and pop culture.
Expectation: Users want definitions available in online dictionaries as soon as
these words enter common usage.
Response: Dictionaries like Merriam-Webster and Oxford English Dictionary
now update their entries frequently to include trending terms.
7.
Integration of Multimedia: As digital dictionaries evolve, incorporating
multimedia elements (audio pronunciation guides, visual examples) poses technical
challenges and requires continual updates.
Example: Online Dictionaries with Multimedia Elements
Modern online dictionaries such as Oxford English Dictionary Online or
Merriam-Webster integrate multimedia to resolve problems like insufficient context,
unclear pronunciations, or abstract concepts.
a)
Audio Pronunciations:
Problem: Difficulties in understanding pronunciation, especially for non-native
speakers.
Solution: Audio clips provide accurate pronunciations in different accents (e.g.,
British vs. American English).
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Example: A user can click on the speaker icon next to "schedule" to hear its
pronunciation.
b)
Video Clips:
Problem: Abstract or complex words are hard to understand through text alone.
Solution: Videos provide contextual examples.
Example: The word ballet might include a short clip of a performance,
illustrating its meaning visually.
The list of used literature
1.
Mamatkulova Malikabonu G’ani qizi, & Xoldorova Hulkaroy. (2024).
PHRASAL NOUNS AND ITS SPECIFIC FEATURES.
"Conference on Universal
Science
Research
2023"
,
2
(1),
25–27.
Retrieved
from
https://universalpublishings.com/index.php/cusr/article/view/3896
2.
Teshaboyeva Nafisa Zubaydulla qizi, & Qarshiboyeva Marjona Baxtiyor qizi.
(2024). GREAT SCHOLARS OF IX-XII CENTURIES INMOVAROUNNAHR AND
KHORASAN. Yangi O’zbekistonda Tabiiy Va Ijtimoiy-Gumanitar Fanlar Respublika
Ilmiy Amaliy Konferensiyasi, 2(4), 166–170.
3.
Qarshiboyeva Marjona Baxtiyor qizi, & Xoldorova Hulkaroy. (2024). THEME:
CLASSIFICATION OF SET EXPRESSIONS. "XXI ASRDA INNOVATSION
TEXNOLOGIYALAR, FAN VA TAʼLIM TARAQQIYOTIDAGI DOLZARB
MUAMMOLAR" Nomli Respublika Ilmiy-Amaliy Konferensiyasi, 2(1), 49–51.
4.
Курпаяниди К.И. Вопросы налогового планирования субъектов малого
бизнеса в структуре институциональных преобразований //Журнал научных
публикаций аспирантов и докторантов. ISSN 1991-3087. 2012.-№3. С. 24-26.
5.
. Miraziz, R., & Oybek, T. (2020). INGLIZ, FRANSUZ VA O`ZBEK
SHE’RIYATINI
TARJIMA
QILISHDA
QO`LLANILADIGAN
TRANSFORMATSIYALAR. Oriental Art and Culture, (V)
