Metalexicography A Data Bank for Contemporary German

Abstract

Computer-aided compilation of form dictionaries is – theoretically – a matter of routine. By comparison, the use of computers in formulating semantic commentaries in dictionaries of definitions is still in its initial stages. A theory of lexicographical procedures is needed to facilitate progress in this field. A general idea of the work on such a theory is provided by showing how a lexicographer works in a well-defined conventional workshop. The latter is transformed into an electronic workstation. In doing so, the author gives a general description of how a lexicographical data bank for contemporary standard German should be constructed; it should include at least four components: a text bank, a dictionary bank, a dictionary in preparation organized as a data bank, and a bibliography bank, and possibly, traditional system components. The lexicographer formulates the semantic commentary by working interactively with the lexicographical data bank. Here, the dictionary bank plays an important part. A metalexicographical framework for this component is presented.