Dictionaries are the most widely-used source of information about languages. This course introduces the craft of dictionary-making, and looks at questions about the nature of languages and their descriptions that arise when making a dictionary. The course will focus both on existing lexicographic materials (e.g. various kinds of dictionaries of major world languages) and on the task of making dictionaries of undescribed languages from scratch (particularly for languages of indigenous Australia and the Western Pacific).
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- demonstrate a clear understanding of the central design issues in lexicography;
- appraise relevant software for dictionary-making and develop critical skills in searching language corpora for relevant material;
- formulate effective dictionary definitions for English and other languages relevant to their interests;
- integrate how lexical entries relate to semantic and grammatical analysis, sociolinguistic variation, etymology and broader encyclopaedic knowledge; and
- critically review the history and likely future developments in lexicography, and the role of dictionaries in translation and language teaching.
Other Information
Usually offered in alternate years
Indicative Assessment
- Resource Review, 1000 words (20) [LO 1]
- Project/Essay outline and proposal, 800-1000 words (10) [LO 1,2]
- Lexicographical project, 1800 words (40) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Short essay, 1500 words (30) [LO 1,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of lectures and 12 hours of tutorials, and
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Atkins, Sue & Michael Rundell. 2008. The Oxford Guide to Practical Lexicography. Oxford: OUP. Other relevant readings will be posted online during the coursePreliminary Reading
Frawley, Hill & Munro. 2002. Making dictionaries. Preserving indigenous languages of the Americas. U Chicago Press.Austin, Peter. Australian Aboriginal Lexicography. Evans, Nicholas. Main peculiarities of the vocabularies of Australian languages. Haimam, John, Dictionaries and Encyclopaedias; Hale, Ken, The Warlpiri Dictionary Project, Pawley, Andrew, Grammarian's lexicon; Lexicographer's lexicon; Wierzbicka, Anna Back to definitions; Landau, S. What is a dictionary
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.