What is Lexicography?

  • Henning Bergenholtz Department of Afrikaans and Dutch, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, Republic of South Africa and Centre for Lexicography, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
  • Rufus H. Gouws Department of Afrikaans and Dutch, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, Republic of South Africa
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5788/22-1-996
Keywords: independent discipline, information tool, lexicographer, lexicographic practice, lexicographic theory, lexicographic tool, lexicography, lexicology, metalexicography, scientific lexicography, terminography

Abstract

Within the field of lexicography there are numerous differences when it comes to the interpretation of the term lexicography and differences in determining the nature, extent and scope of this term. Although it is widely accepted that lexicography consist of two components, i.e. theoretical lexicography and the lexicographic practice, different definitions of lexicography give no unambiguous reflection of this distinction and of the individual components. This paper looks at some prevailing diverse uses and interpretations of the word lexicography. This is followed by proposals to ensure a transformative, unified and comprehensive interpretation of this concept.
Published
2012-11-14
How to Cite
Bergenholtz, H., & Gouws, R. H. (2012). What is Lexicography?. Lexikos, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.5788/22-1-996
Issue
Vol. 22 (2012)
Section
Artikels/Articles

Copyright of all material published in Lexikos will be vested in the Board of Directors of the Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal. Authors are free, however, to use their material elsewhere provided that Lexikos (AFRILEX Series) is acknowledged as the original publication source.

Creative Commons License CC BY 4.0