इस ब्लॉग्स को सृजन करने में आप सभी से सादर सुझाव आमंत्रित हैं , कृपया अपने सुझाव और प्रविष्टियाँ प्रेषित करे , इसका संपूर्ण कार्य क्षेत्र विश्व ज्ञान समुदाय हैं , जो सभी प्रतियोगियों के कॅरिअर निर्माण महत्त्वपूर्ण योगदान देगा ,आप अपने सुझाव इस मेल पत्ते पर भेज सकते हैं - chandrashekhar.malav@yahoo.com
Dictionaries: Use and Evaluation
P- 05. Information Sources, Systems and Services *
By :R Arora,Paper Coordinator
DESCRIPTION OF THE MODULE
Subject Name: Library and Information Science
Paper Name: Information Sources, Systems and Services
Module Name /Title: Dictionaries: Use and Evaluation
Module ID: 5
Pre- Requisites: Types of Information sources, Reference sources
Objectives: To identify different types of dictionaries, their uses and
evaluation of dictionaries.
Keywords: Dictionary, Reference Books
1. OBJECTIVES
After studying this module the learner will be able to
define a dictionary,
know the historical development of dictionaries,
Identify different types of dictionaries,
State the differences between comprehensive unabridged dictionaries with abridged,
desk or pocket dictionaries,
Know the difference between print, electronic and online dictionaries, and
evaluate different types of dictionaries.
2. INTRODUCTION
Dictionaries are among the most commonly used reference books. A dictionary consists of
alphabetical list of words with their meaning, definition, etymology, pronunciation and usage.
Dictionaries give meaning of many kinds of words. Most general language dictionaries include
the ordinary words of everyday life; literary words used in formal writing; words not used today,
but found in writings of some authors; idioms; abbreviations; important persons as well as place
names and words and phrases from other languages.
A dictionary can be defined as ‘A book containing words of a language arranged in alphabetical
order with explanation of their meanings. (Noah Webster).2
Most dictionaries describe the facts of a language as educated speakers and writers use it.
These dictionaries are called ‘Descriptive Dictionaries’, because the editor does not change the
facts of a language. However, many older dictionaries tried to prescribe rules for the usage of
words, these dictionaries are called ‘Prescriptive Dictionaries’.
The other reference book which deals with words is a Thesaurus. Thesaurus is a book in which
words that have the same or similar meaning (synonyms and sometimes antonyms) are
grouped together. Dictionary helps to find meaning and pronunciation of the words. Thesaurus
helps to find most appropriate word to express an idea and also other related words, e. g.
Roget’s Thesaurus.
Glossary is an alphabetical list of words related to a specific subject, text or dialect, with
explanation. A glossary is usually provided at the back of the book showing the definitions of
technical terms used in that book.
3. HISTORY
The word dictionary comes from Medieval Latin word ‘dictionarium’, which in turn comes from
the Latin ‘dictio’, meaning word or saying. The ancient Greeks and Romans were the first to
produce these works. But most Greek and Latin dictionaries were either lists of rare or difficult
words or specialized lists of words. Towards the end of Middle Ages, English, French, German
and other national languages of Europe developed and Latin was no longer in use. As these
languages became accepted in each country, people needed new dictionaries to explain the
hard words of their own language in terms of simpler words in the same language. In 1604,
Robert Cowdrey prepared a English dictionary, called The Table Alphabeticall of Hard Words. It
defined about 3000 English words that had been taken from other languages. The first general
and comprehensive dictionary of English language was Universal Etymological English
Dictionary by Nathan Bailey published in 1721. The dictionary listed 60,000 words. This was
the first English dictionary that tried to include most English words instead of hard words only.
In early 1700s, several literary men of England wanted to prepare a dictionary that would set
standard for good usage in English. French and Italian scholars had already published such
prescriptive dictionaries in their languages, and this success influenced the literary men of
England. Samuel Johnson undertook the task of preparing an English language dictionary. He
spent several years selecting quotations from the best writers to illustrate the meanings of
words. Samuel Johnson published his great work, A Dictionary of English Language in 1755.
There were many quotations in the dictionary to illustrate the use of words and these illustrative
quotations have been repeated by makers of dictionaries since that time. Johnson’s dictionary
was used in England and America until 1828, when it was superseded by Noah Webster’s
American Dictionary of the English Language. Webster’s Third New International Dictionary of
the English Language is the successor to 1828 work. Since then Webster’s dictionary is
frequently revised and is widely used. 3
Another important scholarly English language dictionary was A New English Dictionary on
Historical Principles. It appeared in parts from 1884 to 1928 and had about 415,000 entries. In
1933, it was published in 12 volumes with one-volume supplement, as the Oxford English
Dictionary (OED). The dictionary gives a historical record of each meaning of a word and tells
the date the word first occurred in written English. It also lists other dates that show how the
word has been used through the years. No other dictionary in any language approaches the
OED in wealth and authority of historical detail. A four volume supplement was published from
1972 to 1985 and a fully revised edition in 20 volumes appeared in 1989. Since then OED is
frequently revised and is widely used today.
4. TYPES OF DICTIONARIES
Based on the number of words, scope and coverage of other items of information, the
dictionaries can be categorized into following groups:-
General Language Dictionaries;
Subject Dictionaries;
Special Dictionaries; and
Translating Dictionaries
General Language Dictionaries can be further categorized based on purpose, size and target
user group as follows:
According to size
Unabridged Dictionary
Abridged, Desk or College Dictionary
Pocket Dictionary
According to target user group
Adults
Young Adults
Children
According to purpose
Prescriptive
Descriptive
4.1 GENERAL LANGUAGE DICTIONARIES
General language dictionaries cover all the words of a language and give meanings, definition,
and explanation of the words in the same language. The language may be English, French,
Hindi, German or Russian. For instance, English language dictionaries will include English
words and give their meanings in English language. These dictionaries are also called
monolingual dictionaries. These dictionaries include information on commonly used words of a
language as well as scientific, technical, and other subject terms. General language dictionaries
can further be divided according to size, volume and the target user group. Comprehensive
/Unabridged general dictionaries contain more than 250,000 words. These dictionaries try to
cover all the words of a language, including past as well as currently in use words.
Abridged/College dictionaries contain 130,000 to 180,000 words. Desk and children’s
dictionaries contain 40,000 to 80,000 words.
Abridged/College dictionaries cover most common and currently used words. Children
dictionaries cover words related to the course curriculum. The meanings and definitions are
written in simple language which children can comprehend. Children dictionaries also include
more illustrations to make children understand the concept.
Most of the reputed publishers of unabridged standard general language dictionaries bring out
abridged, desk, college, and children editions of their dictionaries. Publishers of these
dictionaries try to do continuous revision with each new printing they add or delete a given
number of words. This is particularly true for desk dictionaries which are used by young people
and must reflect current usage and new words introduced into the language via radio, television,
music, technology and like.
Following are some examples of standard general language dictionaries:-
Merriam-Webster’s Third New International Dictionary of the English Language. The print
edition of the dictionary is in 3 volumes. It was published in 1961 by G&C Merriam. Latest
revision came in Mar. 6, 2013 under the name The New Merriam-Webster Unabridged
Dictionary. The Dictionary has over 476,000 entries. It has special updated Addenda Section of
new words and meanings, 3000 illustrations and 140,000 etymologies describing word origins.
Online version of this dictionary is Merriam–Webster Unabridged–Online Dictionary. This
dictionary is subscription based dictionary with 470,000 Entries and 700,000 definitions,
143,000 Etymologies, 100,000 Quotations, 107,000 Verbal illustrations, and 3,100 Pictorial 5
illustrations. In addition the dictionary provides access to Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary and
Thesaurus and Medical Spanish-English & French—English Dictionary.
(http://unabridged.merriam-webster.com)
Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary: The 11th Edition, published in 2003 includes
165,000 entries and over 225,000 definitions.
Merriam-Webster’s School Dictionary includes more than 100,000 words, nearly 1,000
illustrations and about 1500 usage examples
Oxford English Dictionary (OED): Second Edition of the dictionary is in 20 volumes. This
dictionary is not a dictionary for ready reference. It is encyclopaedic in nature in treatment of
words. Under each word anything that can be found about the historical development of the
word is traced in chronological order. Meaning, origin, relation to similar other words, various
dialects, fashions in speaking, pronunciation, compounds, derivatives are traced and every
change is illustrated by an example and each quotation is dated and source is indicated. The
dictionary includes 600,000 words. History of the word and of the language is traced through 3
million quotations. Second edition of the dictionary is available in 20 volumes in print or as
single volume as compact edition. Three volume addition series is also available in print.
Oxford English Dictionary- Online: This version is authoritative guide to the meaning, history,
and pronunciation of over 600,000 words -past and present- from across the English speaking
world. Online version is updated every three months.
(http://www.oed.com/about).
Concise Oxford English Dictionary, (Book and CD-ROM) 12th edition covers over 240,000
entries and has 1682 pages. It covers all words, phrases and meanings that form central
vocabulary of English language in the modern world. Special attention has been given to
scientific and technical vocabulary. The print edition is available with CD-ROM, which includes
over 50,000 spoken audio pronunciations.
Oxford University Press has wide range of dictionaries for college students to school children.
There are learner’s dictionaries too for non English speaking people. Words included in students
and children’s dictionaries are related to what they are learning at school, the books they read at
various levels from primary to high school and above. Children’s dictionaries have more
illustrations to explain the concept. Some examples of these dictionaries from Oxford University
Press are as follows:-6
Oxford Primary Dictionary for Age group 7-10 years has over 30,000 words and phrases.
Oxford Illustrated Children’s Dictionary for Age group 8-10 years has over 50,000 words and
definition, with special focus on school subject vocabulary including English, Mathematics and
Science to help with home work.
Oxford English Dictionary for Schools for Age group 11-16 years has over 50,000 words and
phrases with examples from best children’s books to see usage, as well as word families,
synonyms and spelling notes.
Oxford Students Dictionary for intermediate to advance level includes over 52,000 words and
phrases and their meanings in British and American English with curricula words highlighted. It
has 40 reference pages to support academic writing and improve study skill. It has over 200
diagrams and illustrations to help students understand scientific and technical aspects.
Oxford Essential Dictionary for learners of English language. The dictionary helps learners to
learn the words they need to know and how to use them. It covers 19,000 British and American
headwords with 13,000 examples. The Dictionary has 16 study pages to cover skills such as
telephoning, letter writing and everyday conversation. The CD-ROM version of the dictionary
has speaking dictionary with record and playback facility. It has picture dictionary with
illustrations and 66 video clips. One can view a free online demonstration of CD-ROM version of
the dictionary.
(http://www.oxforddictionaries.com).
Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, 8th Edition for students and adult learners of English.
The dictionary has 184,000 words, phrases and meanings. The most important meaning of
about 3000 words is marked with key symbol. It has 32-page writing tutor on CD-ROM with tips
and guidance on tackling different types of writing. The dictionary has 64-page colour visual
vocabulary builder.
Oxford University Press (OUP) is the leading publisher of English Language Teaching (ELT)
materials for Indian schools. Specifically designed to meet needs of English learners, OUP India
(http://www.oup.co.in) has also provided electronic teaching support in the form of CDs and
through Web. The website, “Learning to Communicate” (http://www.oupnltc.com) is recently
launched website for school education.
World Book Dictionary: Published by World Book Inc., it is a two-volume English dictionary,
published as supplement to World Book Encyclopedia. The dictionary includes 225,000 terms
and provides information about meaning, spelling, and pronunciation of most important and
frequently used words. It has over 3000 illustrations. Since, the dictionary is especially designed
for use with World Book Encyclopedia, biographical and geographical information is not
included. The dictionary includes 124 pages of educational material on vocabulary development
and information on how to write effectively.
World Book Student Dictionary for students from grade 2 to grade 8 covers curriculum related
words and helpful illustrations to clarify the meaning. Words are defined in simple manner for
better comprehension.
4.2 SUBJECT DICTIONARIES
General language dictionaries, even comprehensive ones, find it difficult to cover all words of
specialized nature and more and more such words are coined every day. Subject dictionaries
concentrate on the definition of the words in a given subject. Subject dictionaries are becoming
increasingly common, due to increase in study and research in different subject areas ranging
from arts, humanities, social sciences to science and technology. Some of the examples of
subject dictionaries are as follows:-
McGraw Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 6
th Edition, is a comprehensive
dictionary of scientific and technical terms covering over 115,000 terms and 125,000 definitions
in 104 areas of science and technology. Each term is defined in clear and simple language,
understandable to general reader. Pronunciation key and the subject category of each term are
given. There are over 3000 black and white illustrations. The dictionary also contains 35-page
table of elements, important biographical listings and 12 more sections of scientific information.
Oxford University Press also brings out wide range of subject dictionaries for students such as
Oxford Dictionary of Astronomy, Oxford Dictionary of Chemistry, Oxford Dictionary of
Biology etc.
4.3 SPECIAL DICTIONARIES
The dictionaries which are compiled for special purpose or which deal with linguistic aspect of
the words (such as pronunciation, synonym and antonyms etc.) or literary aspect of the words
(such as quotations, idioms, proverbs etc.) or with special type or class of words (such as
obsolete words, abbreviations and acronyms etc.) are called special dictionaries. Though most 8
of these aspects of the words are covered by general language dictionaries as well, but special
dictionaries cover these aspects much more comprehensively. Special dictionaries supplement
general language dictionaries. Some of the examples of special dictionaries are as follows:-
Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary. 17th edition from Cambridge University Press
on CD-ROM. The dictionary provides spoken British and American pronunciation for every word.
Cambridge dictionary is also available for mobile phones.
Cambridge Idioms Dictionary. 2
nd Edition from Cambridge University Press. The dictionary
explains the meaning and use of over 7000 idioms in British, American and Australian English.
Cambridge Phrasal Verb Dictionary is available online along with many other titles from
Cambridge dictionaries. Using Cambridge Dictionary Application, one can download any
Cambridge dictionary on mobile phone as well.
The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations. 7
th edition published in 2009 lists short quotations that
are common in English language and culture.
4.4 TRANSLATING DICTIONARIES
Translating dictionaries give meaning of the word from one language to another. These
dictionaries are either bilingual or multilingual. The bilingual dictionaries give meaning of a word
from one language to another language. For example, an English-Hindi dictionary, will list words
in English and give equivalent words in Hindi. A multilingual dictionary gives meaning of a word
in more than two languages. These dictionaries normally do not define the words, but translate
the words from one language to another language. Many of them are limited in scope to certain
fields such as astronomy, biology, electronic, etc. Bilingual dictionaries can be unidirectional,
meaning that they list the meanings of the words of one language to another. They can be
bidirectional, providing translation to and from both the languages. Bidirectional bilingual
dictionaries usually consist of two sections, each listing words and phrases of one language
alphabetically along with their translation. These dictionaries are used by translators, linguistics,
language students and all those who are interested in foreign language.
Examples of bilingual and multilingual dictionaries:-9
Concise Oxford Spanish Dictionary, 4
th edition published in 2009, is comprehensive EnglishSpanish
and Spanish-English dictionary with 175,000 words and phrases and over 200,000
translations. The online edition of this dictionary covers 300,000 words and phrases and
500,000 translations.
Oxford Russian Dictionary, 4
th edition, published in 2007, has over 500,000 words and
phrases and translations. The dictionary is also available online.
Multilingual Biomedical Technical Dictionary: (in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French,
German, Swedish and Dutch). The dictionary covers over 40,000 entries with about 40,000
synonyms and details each in English, French, Swedish, Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and
German.
Oxford English-English-Hindi Dictionary. It is a comprehensive and authoritative dictionary
compiled for learners of English, teachers, translators and general readers. The dictionary has
50,000 entries covering phrases, idioms, S&T terms, and words relevant to Indian subcontinent.
It provides detailed meanings of synonyms in English and Hindi. It also includes detailed notes
on English grammar, vocabulary and usage.
Shabdkosh- English-Hindi Dictionary (http://www.shabdkosh.com) the site provides English
to Hindi as well as Hindi to English translation. The site was conceptualized and designed by
Maneesh Soni, a graduate from Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi in 2003 with about
15,000 words from public domain dictionary compiled by Ram Narain Lal. The dictionary has
over tens of thousands of words.
Many sites offer free translation facility on the Web. Listed below are some of these sites;-
http://www.bablfish.yahoo.co/
http://www.freetranslation.com/
http://www.systran.com/
http://www.babylon.com/
5. ONLINE AND ELECTRONIC DICTIONARIES
An online dictionary is a dictionary that is accessible via Internet through a web browser. These
dictionaries are available on the Internet either free or free with a paid subscription for extended
or more professional content. Some premium dictionaries, such as Oxford English Dictionary
Online, are available only on subscription basis. Some of the examples of free online
dictionaries are:
TheFreeDictionary.com (http://www.thefreedictionary.com),
Dictionary.com (http://www.dictionary.com)
Merriam-Webster’s Learner’s Dictionary (http://www.learnersdictinary.com)
Electronic dictionary is a dictionary whose data exists in digital form and can be accessed
through a number of devices such as, a dedicated hand-held device or as an application on
smart phones and tablet computers or computer software as a function build into an E-Reader,
or as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs, packaged with printed dictionary, to be installed on the user’s
own computer, as free or paid for online products. Most of the early electronic dictionaries were
print dictionaries, made available in digital form. The contents were identical, but editors
provided users with more powerful search functions. Electronic dictionaries have additional
advantages over their print counter parts, they can incorporate more number of words and have
provision of including multimedia contents, such as audio pronunciation and video clips.
6. USES OF DICTIONARIES
General language dictionaries are used to find meanings and spelling of the words, their
pronunciation, form of words, capitalization, etymology, word division and contextual usage.
Considering the range of dictionaries available, the dictionaries can be used in finding
synonyms, homonyms, framing sentences, increasing vocabulary, writing essays and speaking
English more fluently. Dictionaries also serve as a language recorder. Some prescriptive
dictionaries set standard for spoken and written English language.
Similarly, special dictionaries dealing with special aspect of the language, such as literary
aspect of the words, help in finding suitable proverb, idioms, phrases and foreign terms.
Dictionaries dealing with special class of words such as obsolete words, abbreviations,
Acronyms etc. are helpful in finding the full form of abbreviations, acronyms etc. There is wide
range of special dictionaries, compiled for particular class of people. For example there are
rhyming dictionaries, which are meant for poets.
Bilingual and multilingual dictionaries are useful in translating works of a specific subject from
one language to the other. Such dictionaries are useful for translators for translating scientific 11
and technical articles, novels, poems, technical manuals etc. These dictionaries are also useful
for the travellers who are not familiar with the language of the country they intent to visit.
7. EVALUATION OF DICTIONARIES
There can be no single perfect dictionary at any given point of time, as language is constantly
evolving, adopting new words in written and spoken language as well as words emerging
through new discoveries in science and technology, which dictionaries have to constantly
incorporate to keep them up-to-date. Dictionaries also have to drop words which are no longer
in use in any language. When a library has to purchase dictionaries, it has to select from the
range of dictionaries available in the market and select the ones that are most suitable for the
target users of the library. The best sources for evaluation of dictionaries are Kenneth Kister’s
Dictionaries Buying Guide and Kister’s Best Dictionaries for Adults and Young Adults.
However, there are certain set of evaluation criteria for assessing the usefulness of dictionaries
and these should be taken into consideration while purchasing a dictionary. Criteria for
evaluation of dictionaries are as follows:
7.1 Authority
Authority and reputation of the lexicographer and publisher should be evaluated. For example in
the unabridged English dictionaries field there are three major publishers Merriam-Webster,
Oxford University Press and Random House Incorporation, and they are recognized for lexical
authority. The same publishers issue abridged, college, desk, pocket and children dictionaries.
But there are number of reputable firms which publish abridged dictionaries, such as Houghten
Mifflin (Illustrated Heritage Dictionary), World Publishing Company (Webster 20th Century
Dictionary) and World Book Inc. (World Book Dictionary.
7.2 Vocabulary
Vocabulary may be considered in terms of period of language covered and number of words or
entries in the dictionary. Unabridged dictionaries have entries between 300,000 to 600,000 and
abridged dictionaries have entries ranging from 50,000 to 200,000. The scope and purpose of
the dictionary can be assessed by going through its preface and introduction. The type of
readers for whom it is compiled, helps us to know the purpose of the dictionary.
7.3 Treatment of Words 12
Regardless of price, number of entries or any other consideration a dictionary must indicate
spelling, meaning, pronunciation and syllabication of a word. Preferably in single alphabet it
should indicate etymology, major place names with clear indication whether the entry represent
a place, river or mountain or any other item; major personal names from history, mythology;
foreign terms; phrases; synonyms and antonyms; abbreviations and general slang terms clearly
marked.
7.4 Continuous revision
Publishers of dictionaries try to do continuous revision. All the reputable dictionary publishers,
particularly those of college and desk dictionaries update their work thoroughly every 3 to 4
years and often make minor revision with each printing. With each new printing they may add or
delete a given number of words. This is more common in desk dictionaries, which are mostly
used by young people and must reflect current usage and new words introduced in the
language via radio, television, music, technology etc. The task of revision has become easy now
because of the availability of database of words of the dictionaries in computerized form. While
evaluating a dictionary, one must check about the revision policy of the publication.
7.5 Standards and Usage
Today most of the modern dictionaries are descriptive rather than prescriptive. Descriptive
dictionaries describe the language. They include words that are commonly used even if they are
non-standard. Editors are of the opinion that people dictate the proper use of a language. Hence
while illustrating definition of a word in modern dictionary, it is important to use quotes not only
from literature, but from newspapers, television programmes and speeches. Although, earlier
dictionaries prescribed rules for correct usage of words, modern editors broke away from the
tradition. Prescriptive dictionaries tend to be more concerned about correct or standard English.
They prescribe the proper usage and spelling of words. There are some dictionaries which
provide guides to correct usage of words. Three such dictionaries are: The American Heritage
Dictionary with extensive usage notes; Harper Dictionary of Contemporary Usage and Fowler’s
Dictionary of Modern English Usage.
7.6 Special Features
In addition to the above, one must check what special features the dictionary is offering, such as
illustrations, geographical and historical details of places, biographical information, tables of13
weights and measures, almanac type of material, abbreviations and acronyms, foreign terms,
word and phrases used in various subjects etc.
7.7 Spelling
Another important thing to notice is the spelling. Variant form of spelling of a word should be
clearly indicated by providing label ‘British’ or ‘American’ as the case may be. Words like ‘Color’
or ‘Colour’, ‘Organisaton’ or ‘Organization’, etc. require such clarification.
7.8 Grammatical Information
The most generally useful help a dictionary offers is to indicate parts of speech. All single
entries are classified as nouns, adjectives, or verbs. Apart from this major division, dictionaries
may vary in method of showing adverbs, adjectives, plurals and principle parts of a verb,
particularly past tense of irregular verbs.
7.9 Format
In evaluating format of a dictionary, the important aspects to consider are, the clear printing,
print size of the words and how the readability is affected by spaces between the words; the use
of boldface type; adequate margin on both the side and thumb indexes for each alphabet. With
the exception of some coloured plates, in most dictionaries, the illustrations are in black and
white line drawing. The average desk dictionary has 600-1500 illustrations; the unabridged has
700-12000 illustrations. Children dictionaries often have more illustrations than other
dictionaries in order to clarify the concept. Where appropriate, actual size of the object
illustrated should be indicated, particularly in the case of an animal or plant. The dictionary
should be hard-bound and over-all appearance should be appealing.
7.10 Evaluation of Online and Electronic Dictionaries
Electronic and online dictionaries should be evaluated on the basis of quality of hardware
(handheld devices), software (presentation and performance), and the information contents of
the dictionary. Hand held device should be robust with good keyboard or touch screen system.
The information on the GUI of computer based software should be clear, easy-to-use, with good
font-size and pleasing colour. As far as the contents are concerned, the dictionary should
include all the lexical information, which is expected from a quality printed dictionary. The
dictionaries intended for collegiate and professionals users, generally include most or all the 14
lexical information. The content of electronic dictionaries developed in association with leading
publishers of printed dictionaries, is more reliable than those aimed at travelers or casual user.
8. SUMMARY
A dictionary can be defined as a book containing words of a language arranged in alphabetical
order with explanation of their meaning. Dictionary is one of the most extensively used
reference source by the people. Based on the treatment of words, dictionaries can be
categorized as general language dictionary, subject dictionary, special dictionary and bilingual
or multilingual dictionary. Based on the size and number of words covered, general language
may be most comprehensive unabridged dictionary, abridged college or desk dictionary, or
small pocket dictionary. From the usage point of view there are dictionaries for adults, young
adults and children. Based on the physical format, the dictionary can be in print, electronic form
or accessible online. There are hundreds of dictionaries, to select the most suitable one for a
library or even for individual use it should evaluated. A dictionary need to be evaluated when it
is being purchased for a library or even for individual use.
TEXT FOR VOICE NARRATION
DICTIONARIES
A dictionary is a reference book containing words of a language arranged in alphabetical order
with explanation of their meaning. Dictionaries are used to find meaning of a word, how word is
written or spelt and how it is pronounced. Dictionaries also describe the origin of the word and
how to use it. Dictionaries also show principle form of the word as well as class of the words
which have one or more characteristics in common with it.
Considering the range of dictionaries available dictionaries can be used in finding synonyms,
homonyms, framing sentences, increasing vocabulary, writing essays and speaking English
more fluently.
HISTORY
Earlier dictionaries were Greek and Latin dictionaries which listed difficult or specialized words
only. The first comprehensive English language dictionary, which tried to include most of the
words of English language, was Universal Etymological English Dictionary by Nathan Bailey.
Published in 1721, the dictionary listed 60,000 words.
A Dictionary of English Language, by Samuel Johnson, was the first dictionary which used
quotations from the best writers to illustrate the meaning and use of words. The dictionary,
published in 1755, was the only dictionary used in England and America till 1828. Then it was
superseded by Noah Webster’s American Dictionary of English Language, which is the
predecessor of modern Merriam-Webster Third New International Dictionary of English
Language.
Another important scholarly dictionary compiled was A New English Dictionary on Historical
Principles, it appeared in parts from 1884 to 1928. In 1933 it was published in 12 volumes with
one supplement, as the Oxford English Dictionary. The dictionary gives a historical record of
each meaning of a word and tells the date the word first occurred in written English. It also lists
other dates that show how the word has been used through the years. Modern Oxford English
Dictionary is the successor of this dictionary.
TYPES OF DICTIONARIES
Based on the number of words, scope and other items of information, the dictionaries can be
i) general language dictionaries;
ii) subject dictionaries;
iii) special purpose dictionaries and
iv) translating dictionaries.
General language dictionaries list words of a language and give meanings, definition and
explanation of the words in the same language. Based on the size and number of words
covered, general language dictionaries can be comprehensive unabridged dictionary or
abridged/college/desk dictionary or children dictionary. Unabridged dictionary include more than
250,000 words, abridged/college dictionary contain 130,000 to 180,000 words. Pocket and
children dictionaries cover 40,000 to 80,000 words.
According to target user group, a dictionary may be for adults, young adults or children.
According to purpose, a dictionary may be descriptive or prescriptive dictionary. Descriptive 16
dictionaries describe the facts of a language, as speakers and writers use it. Prescriptive
dictionaries prescribe rules for proper usage and spellings of words. These dictionaries are
more concerned about correct use of Standard English.
Subject dictionaries provide definitions of words in a given subject.
Dictionaries which are compiled for special purpose are called special dictionaries. These
dictionaries deal with linguistic aspect of the words, such as synonyms, antonyms, homonyms
etc. or with literary aspect of the word such as quotations, idioms, proverbs etc. or cover special
class of words such as obsolete word, abbreviations, acronyms etc.
Translating dictionaries give meaning of the word from one language to another. These
dictionaries are either bilingual or multilingual. The bilingual dictionaries give meaning of a word
from one language to another language. For example, an English-Hindi dictionary, will list words
in English and give equivalent words in Hindi. A multilingual dictionary gives meaning of a word
in more than two languages. These dictionaries normally do not define the words, but translate
the words from one language to another language.
ONLINE AND ELECTRONIC DICTIONARIES
A dictionary, which is accessed online via Internet, is called an online dictionary. In electronic
dictionary the data is in digital form and can be accessed through a number of devices such as
mobile phone, a hand-held device, tablet computer, CD-ROM and DVD-ROM.
USES OF DICTIONARIES
General language dictionaries are used to find meanings and spellings of the words, their
pronunciation, part of speech, capitalization, etymology, word division and contextual usage.
Special dictionaries help in finding suitable proverb, idioms, phrases and foreign language terms.
Bilingual and multilingual dictionaries help in translating works of specific subject from one
language to the other.
EVALUATION OF DICTIONAIES
There are certain set criteria for evaluation of dictionaries. First and foremost is to check the
authority i.e. the lexicographer and the publisher of the dictionary. Buy the work of a reputed 17
publisher. Next thing is to see the scope of the dictionary and accordingly the number of entries
the dictionary cover based on its scope. Check the treatment of words. A dictionary must
indicate spellings, meaning, pronunciations, part of speech and syllabication of a word. In
addition, check what additional features the dictionary is offering such as, illustrations, major
place names, biographical information, abbreviations, acronyms, etc. The dictionary should
have consistent revision policy and with every revision the dictionary should delete obsolete
words and add new words introduced in the language through radio, television, technology and
so on. Format of the dictionary should be pleasing with clear printing and good font size.
EVALUATION OF ONLINE AND ELECTRONIC DICTIONARIES
Online and electronic dictionaries should be evaluated on the basis of quality of hardware,
software and presentation of information content. Hardware i.e. Hand held device should be
robust with good keyboard or touch screen. Information on the display screen should be clear,
easy to use with good font size and pleasing colour. Dictionary should include all lexical
information, which is expected from a good printed dictionary.
CHUNK TEXT
DICTIONARIES
Dictionary is a reference book containing words of a language arranged in alphabetical order
with explanation of their meaning.
EARLIER DICTIONARIES
Greek & Latin Dictionaries
Universal Etymological Dictionary
A Dictionary of English Language
Webster’s American Dictionary of English Language
A New English Dictionary on Historical Principles
Oxford English Dictionary
TYPES OF DICTIONAIES
General Language Dictionary18
Unabridged Dictionary
Abridged/Desk/College Dictionary
Pocket/Children Dictionary
Subject Dictionary
Special Dictionary
Translating Dictionary
Online and Electronic Dictionaries
USES OF DICTIONARIES
Meaning
Spelling
Pronunciation
Parts of Speech
Syllabication
Etymology
Usage
EVALUATION OF DICTIONARIES
Authority
Vocabulary
Treatment of Words
Continuous Revision
Standards and Usage
Special Features
Spelling
Grammatical Information
Format
ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION
Multiple Choice Questions
Q. 1 The first general and comprehensive dictionary of English language was prepared by
A. Samuel Johnson
B. Nathan Bailey
C. Noah Webster
D. Robert Cowdrey
Q. 2 The Oxford English Dictionary is the successor of
A. Universal Etymological Dictionary
B. A Dictionary of English Language
C. Webster’s Dictionary of English Language
D. A New English Dictionary on Historical Principles
Correct Answers
Q. 1 Nathan Bailey
Q. 2 A New Dictionary on Historical Principles
True or False Statements
Q. 1 Early Greek and Latin Dictionaries were lists of rare or difficult words.
Q. 2 General Unabridged dictionaries cover only selected words of a language that are
currently in use.
Q. 3 Special Dictionaries supplement general language dictionaries.
Q. 4 Bilingual and Multilingual Dictionaries do not translate words.
Q. 5 Children Dictionaries have more illustrations. Correct Answers
Q.1 True
Q.2 False
Q.3 True
Q.4 False
Q.5 True
Fill in the Blanks
Q. 1 …………………. Dictionaries concentrate on the words related to course curriculum.
Q. 2 …………………..Dictionaries have more illustrations to clarify concepts.
Q. 3…. ………………..Dictionaries cover all the words of a language, including past as well
as currently used words.
Q. 4…………………….Dictionaries cover most common and currently used words of a
language.
Q.5 …………………….Dictionaries define words of a given subject.
Correct Answers
Q.1 Children’s Dictionaries
Q.2 Children ‘s Dictionaries
Q.3 Unabridged Comprehensive Dictionaries
Q. 4 Abridged Dictionaries
Q. 5 Subject Dictionaries
GLOSSARY
Antonym A word that means opposite of another word.
Etymology Origin and development of words and their meanings.
Kosh Hindi term for a dictionary
Lexicographer Writer, compiler or editor of dictionaries
Shabd Hindi term for a word
Synonym A word that means the same or nearly the same as another word
REFERENCES
Cassel, K A. Reference and Information Services in 21st Century- An Introduction. London:
Facet Publication: 2006
Katz, W.A. Introduction to Reference Work. 8th edition. New York. McGraw-Hill. 2vol. 2002.
Kenneth Krister’s Dictionary Buying Guide. New York: R. R. Bowker Company. 1977.
Kister’s Best Dictionaries for Adults and Young People: A Comparative Guide. Phoenix: The
Oryx Press. 1992.
Krishan Kumar. Reference Service. 5th edition. New Delhi. Vikas Publishing House Pvt. Ltd:
1995.
WEBSITES
http://www.unabridged.merriam-webster.com
http://www.oxforddictionaries.com
http://www.oup.co.in
http://www.oupnltc.com
http://www.babifish.yahoo.co
http://www.freetranslation.co
http://www.systran.com
http://www.babylon.com
http://www.freedictionary.com
http://www.dictionary.com
http://www.learnersdictionary.com
No comments:
Post a Comment