Johnson and Modern Lexicography¹

Author: Hanks, Patrick

Source: International Journal of Lexicography, Volume 18, Number 2, 1 June 2005 , pp. 243-266(24)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

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Abstract:

Johnson not only compiled a magnificent dictionary, he also explicitly addressed some of the theoretical issues involved. His comments can be compared with modern lexicographical practice and its concerns. Among the topics touched on in his 1755 Preface are empirical principles in lexicographical practice: the size and nature of the lexicon, the selection of entries, problems of lexical grammar, including the status of -ing forms, phrasal verbs, and light verbs, definitions, including substitutability and issues of definability, the nature of word meaning, lexical pragmatics, sequencing of senses and definitions, and language change. This paper will review what Johnson said about these topics, and demonstrate the relevance to current dictionary-making.

Keywords: antiphospholipid syndrome; recurrent miscarriage; thrombosis

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1093/ijl/eci024

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