Sub-field dictionary
Encyclopedia
A sub-field dictionary is a specialized dictionary
that has been designed and compiled to cover the terms of one (or possibly more) sub-fields of a particular subject field. It is therefore a sub-division of the class of dictionary called a single-field dictionary
. Sub-field-field dictionaries should be contrasted with multi-field dictionaries and single-field dictionaries.
The typology consisting of these three dictionaries is important for a number of reasons. First of all a sub-field dictionary is an example of a very specialized dictionary in that it covers only a limited part of one single subject field. Examples of sub-field dictionaries are a dictionary of contract law and a dictionary of fusion welding.
The main advantage of sub-field dictionaries is that they can easily be maximizing dictionaries, i.e. attempt to cover as many terms of the sub-field as possible without being a dictionary in several volumes. Consequently, sub-fields dictionaries are ideal for extensive coverage of the linguistic and extra-linguistic aspects within a particular subject field.
Secondly, if the lexicographers intend to make a bilingual, maximizing sub-field dictionary they will not run into the same problems with the space available for presenting the large amount of data that has to be included in the dictionary, cf. a multi-field dictionary
.
Consequently, the best coverage of linguistic and extra-linguistic aspects within the subject field covered by a dictionary will be found in a sub-field dictionary. The best coverage of a subject field will then be to compile a number of sub-field dictionaries that together cover the entire subject.
Specialized dictionary
A specialized dictionary is a dictionary that covers a relatively restricted set of phenomena. The definitive book on the subject includes chapters on dictionaries of:*synonyms*pronunciations*names...
that has been designed and compiled to cover the terms of one (or possibly more) sub-fields of a particular subject field. It is therefore a sub-division of the class of dictionary called a single-field dictionary
Single-field dictionary
A single-field dictionary is a specialized dictionary that has been designed and compiled to cover the terms of one particular subject field. Single-field dictionaries should be contrasted with multi-field dictionaries and sub-field dictionaries....
. Sub-field-field dictionaries should be contrasted with multi-field dictionaries and single-field dictionaries.
The typology consisting of these three dictionaries is important for a number of reasons. First of all a sub-field dictionary is an example of a very specialized dictionary in that it covers only a limited part of one single subject field. Examples of sub-field dictionaries are a dictionary of contract law and a dictionary of fusion welding.
The main advantage of sub-field dictionaries is that they can easily be maximizing dictionaries, i.e. attempt to cover as many terms of the sub-field as possible without being a dictionary in several volumes. Consequently, sub-fields dictionaries are ideal for extensive coverage of the linguistic and extra-linguistic aspects within a particular subject field.
Secondly, if the lexicographers intend to make a bilingual, maximizing sub-field dictionary they will not run into the same problems with the space available for presenting the large amount of data that has to be included in the dictionary, cf. a multi-field dictionary
Multi-field dictionary
A multi-field dictionary is a specialized dictionary that has been designed and compiled to cover the terms within two or more subject fields. Multi-field dictionaries should be contrasted with single-field dictionaries and sub-field dictionaries....
.
Consequently, the best coverage of linguistic and extra-linguistic aspects within the subject field covered by a dictionary will be found in a sub-field dictionary. The best coverage of a subject field will then be to compile a number of sub-field dictionaries that together cover the entire subject.
Relevant literature
- Sandro Nielsen: "Contrastive Description of Dictionaries Covering LSP Communication". In: Fachsprache/International Journal of LSP 3-4/1990, 129-136.