A Biblical Hebrew lexicon for translators based on recent developments in theoretical lexicography

[摘要] Two main problems that confront existing Biblical Hebrew (BH) dictionaries can be identified.Firstly, there is a lack of adequate semantic models for the analysis and description of lexemes.Secondly, data is structured in ways that do not enhance optimal retrieval of desired informationfrom the dictionary. The failure to take cognizance of the insights from theoretical lexicographypartly explains the state of BH dictionaries. This investigation hypothesizes that current insightsfrom theoretical lexicography can improve existing lexica and create better ones.Accumulated insights from the academic community have resulted in the formulation of a theory oflexicography or metalexicography. In this light, a general lexicographic theory of components andstructures of dictionaries is selected and investigated in order to establish the aspects of BH that canbe improved. The point of departure is the notion of 'dictionary criticism, which focuses on thecritical evaluation of existing dictionaries with the goal of improving them. Though there are otherapproaches to assess lexica critically, theoretical lexicography provides justified heuristics for anobjective appraisal of BH dictionaries. These heuristic include notions of 'frame structure,'lexicographic function, and 'microstructure. The frame structure focuses on the structuralcomponents of the dictionary book. The lexicographic function places emphasis on the goals thatthe dictionary purports to fulfill in the light of its target users. The microstructure hosts the data thatis provided as part of the lexicographic treatment of the lemma sign. In addition, it is the centre ofuser's look up activities, and it hosts other important structural components. The above selectednotions directly affect the extent to which the user benefits from the dictionary and the success ofthe dictionary in general.The criticism of selected BH dictionaries in the light of the above-mentioned reveals that mostdictionaries fall short in certain critical areas. Data types that are provided are either unnecessary orare not structured in ways that allow optimal and successful retrieval of desired information. Suchinadequacies present evidence that existing BH dictionaries can benefit from the insights oftheoretical lexicography. A model that seeks to ameliorate BH dictionaries is developed primarilyfor Bible translators based on selected insights from theoretical lexicography. A trial of this modelof BH lexemes that are selected from different lexical classes demonstrates improved lexica interms of the lexicographic function, the selection, and the organization of data. The trial of themodel also highlights areas that need further investigation in the light of current trends in theoreticallexicography in order to better the quality of BH dictionaries.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University