A theoretical model for an encyclopaedic dictionary for the Gabonese languages with reference to Yilumbu

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This dissertation is an attempt to design a theoretical model for an encyclopaedicdictionary for Gabonese languages. It makes specific reference to Yilumbu, a developinglanguage of the Bantu phylum (B44, according to Guthrie's classification) spoken inGabon and in Congo. All existing metalexicographic studies on Gabonese languages(including Yilumbu) pursue the compilation of comprehensive language dictionaries.Most of them are bilingual languages.On the other hand, a number of encyclopaedic dictionaries exist for Gabonese languages.Most of them were compiled by Catholic and Protestant missionaries and colonialadministrators. However, none of these reference works was compiled on the basis of aprior metalexicographic orientation.Ultimately, the present study is the first of its kind to propose an encyclopaedicdictionary for Gabonese languages on the basis of a comprehensive metalexicographicanalysis.This dissertation also shows that the planned encyclopaedic dictionary reflects thelanguage planning needs of Gabon. Developing and documenting the Gaboneselanguages on all levels of communication in order to address all the roles and usercharacteristics are a great challenge. As far as encyclopaedic dictionary compilation isconcerned, acquaintance with state-of-the-art developments in the theory and practice oflexicography is necessary.This dissertation comprises nine chapters. Chapter 1 mainly focuses on the specific aims,the purpose and the motivation of the study. The research problem is also demarcated inthis chapter. Furthermore, the chapter presents the theoretical model that provides theframework for this research as well as the methodological approach adopted. Thepotential impact of the study, the reasons for and the position of the source and targetlanguages as well as the sociolinguistic situation of Yilumbu are also introduced in thefirst chapter.Chapter 2 is a review of the dictionary typology with reference to the proposed model. Itaims to present a typological framework for the planned encyclopaedic dictionary. It also introduces various dictionary typologies and contrasts encyclopaedic lexicography andgeneral lexicography. The chapter concludes with a typological profile of the plannedencyclopaedic dictionary for Yilumbu before outlining specific principles of the proposedmodel for an encyclopaedic dictionary.Chapter 3 is a review of encyclopaedic lexicography in Gabon. It introduces the conceptof encyclopaedic lexicography. Then it provides a literature review of lexicographicsurveys in the Gabonese languages by presenting existing encyclopaedic works in Gabon.The chapter also outlines recent trends in Gabonese lexicography in order to explain thesituation of encyclopaedic lexicography in Gabonese lexicographic studies. Finally, theneed for research in encyclopaedic lexicography in the Gabonese languages is underlinedand specific advantages of encyclopaedic research for Yilumbu lexicography areintroduced.Chapter 4 focuses on the target users of the planned encyclopaedic dictionary and itslexicographic functions. The chapter starts with a broad outline of target users and theactivity of dictionary compilation. It also reviews what is known as target users andoutlines user characteristics. The lexicographic functions of the planned encyclopaedicdictionary are also outlined in this chapter.Chapter 5 gives a comprehensive presentation of the frame structure of the plannedencyclopaedic dictionary of Yilumbu. More specifically, the chapter provides a definitionof the concept of frame structure and schematises the frame structure, highlighting itscomponents. It outlines the accessory texts and the outer texts of the planned dictionary.This chapter also contains an outline of the front matter and the back matter strategiesused for the Yilumbu encyclopaedic dictionary project. The central word list is also dealtwith in this chapter. Finally, the chapter reports on the proposed frame structurefunctions.Chapter 6 focuses on the macrostructure of the planned dictionary. In this chapter, ageneral overview of the concept of macrostructure is first given. Then the chapterpresents the dictionary basis and the selection of the lemma candidate list. Furthermacrostructural issues are also described. In Chapter 7, different aspects of the microstructure are discussed, focusing on a numberof contributions. The chapter presents the concept of microstructure according toHausmann and Wiegand (1989) and enumerates the different types of article to beincluded in the microstructure. Data to be included in the microstructure are alsopresented.Chapter 8 discusses the notion of access structure and its related concepts, namely outeraccess structure, inner access structure and search zones. The effectiveness and success ofany dictionary is measured, among other things, by the accessibility and retrievability ofthe desired information. The chapter contains an overview of the concept of accessstructure and also deals with the outer access structure. Moreover, the chapter presentsthe inner access structure and the rapid access structure. The mediostructure is finallydealt with as a way of gaining access to data.Chapter 9 provides a comprehensive conclusion of the dissertation. This chapter alsooutlines the contribution of the research findings to lexicographic research, to theemerging Gabonese lexicography and to the fuller promotion of the Yilumbu language. Itprovides conclusions and formulates suggestions for further research.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University