lexicography

ENG 310 Assignment 2

Purpose:

The purpose of this assignment is to compare types of dictionaries and their structures in order to improve your ability to choose the best dictionary for a task.

Overview:

Part of being a dictionary "power user" is knowing which dictionary to use for a given purpose.

· Online dictionaries offer speed and convenience. You can search directly for a word and do not need to use guidewords or know alphabetical order. You can often hear words pronounced. If you misspell a word, you'll see several suggestions. They are updated continually and are often free. However, some free versions contain distracting advertising, and popups. They are not always accurately sourced and may lack specialized words needed in a discipline.

· Print dictionaries allow you to browse surrounding words. They require no internet connection or electrical power. They are accurately sourced. However, they are not updated very often and multi-volume or specialized versions can be expensive. It can take longer to find a word and it can be frustrating to find a word that you don't know how to spell.

· Electronic dictionaries may be small hand-held devices or phones apps. They share many of the same advantages and disadvantages as online dictionaries. They usually do not require an internet connection. When choosing an electronic dictionary, it's important to know how comprehensive the word list is. Cheaper models may have far fewer words than needed.

One important consideration in choosing a dictionary is translation testing and school exams. Print dictionaries may be allowed by some translation tests and university exams. Because they can be programmed for other purposes, electronic dictionaries, computers, phones and other hand-held devices are usually banned.

Another important consideration is the user's purpose and the nature of the word. Specialty dictionaries are useful when you are writing about or translating subjects such as science, medicine, the law, etc. Specialty dictionaries may only be available in print.

Action Item:

· Use a variety of types of dictionaries to find the following words'

Plaintiff (legal word), hypothalamus (medical word) مخلُوط (Arabic word) and antagonistic (English word)

· In a word document compare the features of four different dictionaries and the information they provide for each word.

· You will also give your evaluation of the dictionaries and state which one would be the best choice for each word.

· Use the format provided in 5-1 Types and Component Structures of Dictionaries Assignment.

· After you finish your answer, save a PDF copy and submit it.

Good luck,