Principles and Methods of Digital Lexicography

The article describes the principles and methods of digital lexicography. It begins by defining the four main stages of the lexicographic process: 1) writing up the dictionary, 2) editing and developing the book layout, 3) publishing, and 4) the post-publication period. The following section focuses on stage 1, comparing the compilation of example corpora for dictionary preparation in the past (using millions of cardboard cards) with modern tools for lexical analysis provided by web corpora like the Russian National Corpus (ruscorpora.ru). The overview of the advancements in finding examples illustrating word usage is followed by an exploration of the ways dictionary writing methods have evolved.

The analysis of computer-based dictionary writing methods starts with a discussion of the two most popular approaches: file-based and tabular. The former involves composing dictionary files with thousands of entries using text editors like Microsoft Word, resulting in poorly structured entries with inconsistent markup. The latter, however, represents each entry as a raw with entry zones (forms, meanings, examples, etc.) arranged in separate columns. The section outlines the challenges of these methods, emphasizing their limitations in publishing options and handling complex linguistic data, often employing many-to-one relationships. Alternatives such as Text Encoding Initiative (TEI) formats and database utilization are discussed, highlighting their capacity for structured data representation.

Subsequently, dictionary writing systems (DWS) are introduced, with the OnLex platform serving as a primary example illustrating their functionality. It demonstrates how online editing interfaces streamline lexicographic processes, from data input to publication and feedback collection. By analyzing DWS features, the article emphasizes their efficacy in simplifying the editorial workflow and enhancing user experience.

A critical appraisal of the advantages of online DWS is provided, highlighting their role in addressing key challenges faced by traditional publishing methods. Notable advantages include seamless integration of search functionalities, support for multiple languages, and real-time error reporting mechanisms after publication.

In conclusion, the article advocates for the wider adoption of digital lexicography methods, particularly within the Russian tradition, emphasizing their potential to facilitate every stage of the dictionary creation process.