This paper investigates the presentation of compositionally anomalous phrases in English monolingual learners’ dictionaries (MLDs). In particular, it argues that it would be pedagogically useful to explain to the dictionary user, where possible, the reason why certain types of anomaly exist. Two types of phrase are discussed: firstly, idiomatic expressions in which the relationship between phrasal meaning and original meaning may not be clear to the learner (e.g. run the gauntlet); secondly, phrases which include particularly unusual word forms or word senses. These include lexical fossils (as in the whys and WHEREFORES) and phrases partially motivated by phonological characteristics (as in 'bits and BOBS'). In order to form an impression of how anomalous phrases are currently treated in MLDs, samples of items were looked for in both print and online editions. It was found that, overall, little attention is paid to the motivation of phrasal composition, and it is suggested that more should be done in this direction. This would involve integrating current description, almost entirely synchronic in nature, with historical data, at least in the case of some types of phrasal unit.
Unusual phrases in English MLDs: increasing user friendliness
COFFEY, STEPHEN JAMES
2014-01-01
Abstract
This paper investigates the presentation of compositionally anomalous phrases in English monolingual learners’ dictionaries (MLDs). In particular, it argues that it would be pedagogically useful to explain to the dictionary user, where possible, the reason why certain types of anomaly exist. Two types of phrase are discussed: firstly, idiomatic expressions in which the relationship between phrasal meaning and original meaning may not be clear to the learner (e.g. run the gauntlet); secondly, phrases which include particularly unusual word forms or word senses. These include lexical fossils (as in the whys and WHEREFORES) and phrases partially motivated by phonological characteristics (as in 'bits and BOBS'). In order to form an impression of how anomalous phrases are currently treated in MLDs, samples of items were looked for in both print and online editions. It was found that, overall, little attention is paid to the motivation of phrasal composition, and it is suggested that more should be done in this direction. This would involve integrating current description, almost entirely synchronic in nature, with historical data, at least in the case of some types of phrasal unit.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
