On The Treatment Of Encyclopedic Information In English-Chinese Learner's Dictionaries

In English-Chinese learner's dictionaries (hereafter abbreviated to ECLDs), encyclopedic information, such as encyclopedic words and explanatory notes, introduces extra-linguistic knowledge. In addition, it plays an important role in facilitating the cognition of the meaning of foreign vocabulary. This thesis is a tentative attempt at finding out the problems with the treatment of encyclopedic information in ECLDs and proposing possible solutions for future improvement.In order to gain an in-depth understanding of the issue in question, the present research took the form of a case study. The subjects consisted of three types of encyclopedic information in one ECLD, New Age English-Chinese Dictionary. Accordingly, three types of data were collected, namely 42 encyclopedic entries (26 entries of terms,16 entries of proper nouns),37 general entries as well as 7 entries related to the appendices. The technique for selecting the data was a combination of systematic sampling and convenience sampling. Subsequent to data collection, relevant criteria were formulated for the purpose of data analysis, and the following major problems were identified. Firstly, there are a number of encyclopedic words and specialized senses which are of a comparatively low frequency. Secondly, verbal illustrations introduce less information on culture than on knowledge. In some cases, the information conveyed, though important, may be unfamiliar to upper-level learners of English, but there is a lack of explanation thereof. Thirdly, the supplementary information within encyclopedic entries is unsatisfactory. On the whole, such additional encyclopedic information is insufficient, and at times is even absent in some entries. Apart from this, the way of giving such information is inconsistent. Last but not least, the appendices contain neither pictorial illustrations nor encyclopedic essays. In addition, regarding entries related to the appendices, there are no cross-references referring dictionary users to the encyclopedic section in the back matter.Thoughts were then given to the solution of these problems. In so doing, the functions of encyclopedic information in ECLDs were taken into consideration. The researcher drew on the semantic theory and related theory on the structure of bilingual dictionaries. General guidelines for how to present each type of encyclopedic information were then elucidated. The basic principle is that all major constituent parts of ECLDs must be incorporated for the presentation of encyclopedic information.a) Within dictionary entries, in other words, the microstructure, the specialized senses of a comparatively high frequency should be given. As for bracketed supplementary information in encyclopedic entries, compilers are advised to work out their definitional elements by treating the process as a kind of lexicographical definition. It is desirable that verbal illustrations introduce information on both western culture and common knowledge. In addition, bracketed explanatory information could be given if the information were unfamiliar to dictionary users.b) In the macrostructure, i.e. the word-list, dictionary compilers should give first priority to selecting encyclopedic entries of a comparatively high word frequency. Also, proper nouns should be included with sufficient explanation if there are lexical units derived from them in the same dictionary. Furthermore, compilers should make sure that those encyclopedic words are included in the dictionary whose meanings are part of a central concept.c) Through the mediostructure, or the cross-references, compilers of ECLDs can present encyclopedic information in three ways. The first is among encyclopedic entries which are related semantically. The second is from entries to their relevant sections in the appendices. A third cross-reference is made from the dictionary to other reference works, with a view to introducing the information in greater detail.d) In the megastructure, mainly the appendices, encyclopedic sections and pictorial (scenic) illustrations can be given, which can offer a detailed explanation of relevant encyclopedic information.The research is of help for compilers of ECLDs in their practice of presenting encyclopedic information. Ultimately, it aims at making encyclopedic information play a better role in aiding the cognition of the meaning of English vocabulary on the part of EFL learners.