This paper discusses the optimal lexicographical treatment of certain types of collocation in English monolingual learners’ dictionaries. The phrases involved are those which have the grammatical structure VERB + NOUN, and in which the verbal component is a high-frequency delexicalized verb, specifically do, give, have, make or take. The phrases themselves incorporate one of the usual meanings of the noun, as in make an effort and have a wash, rather than being semantically opaque. Suggested optimal dictionary coverage is compared with actual dictionary presentation in the latest print (but not electronic) editions of the five major advanced-level dictionaries. Topics discussed include: where and how phrases are presented (in terms of both dictionary macro-structure and entry micro-structure); optimal presentation seen in terms of probable look-up tasks; quantitative coverage of the phrases; and the raising of learner awareness of this particular phrasal type and, more generally, of high-frequency delexical verbs.

'Delexical Verb + Noun' Phrases in Monolingual English Learners' Dictionaries

COFFEY, STEPHEN JAMES
2006-01-01

Abstract

This paper discusses the optimal lexicographical treatment of certain types of collocation in English monolingual learners’ dictionaries. The phrases involved are those which have the grammatical structure VERB + NOUN, and in which the verbal component is a high-frequency delexicalized verb, specifically do, give, have, make or take. The phrases themselves incorporate one of the usual meanings of the noun, as in make an effort and have a wash, rather than being semantically opaque. Suggested optimal dictionary coverage is compared with actual dictionary presentation in the latest print (but not electronic) editions of the five major advanced-level dictionaries. Topics discussed include: where and how phrases are presented (in terms of both dictionary macro-structure and entry micro-structure); optimal presentation seen in terms of probable look-up tasks; quantitative coverage of the phrases; and the raising of learner awareness of this particular phrasal type and, more generally, of high-frequency delexical verbs.
2006
8876949186
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11568/105857
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