Who can really be called a lexicographer?

• Published in: Lexikos Vol. 22; no. 1; pp. 217 - 225
• Main Author: Gouws, Rufus H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bureau of the WAT 01-01-2012
• Subjects: EMLex; Leksikograaf; Leksikografiese navorsing; Leksikografiese opleiding; Leksikografiese praktyk; Leksikografiese proses; Lexicographer; Lexicographic practice; Lexicographic process; Lexicographic research; Lexicographic training; Metaleksikograaf; Metalexicographer; Practical lexicographer; Praktiese leksikograaf; Primary lexicographer; Primere leksikograaf; Secondary lexicographer; Sekondere leksikograaf; Teoretiese leksikograaf; Theoretical lexicographer
• ISSN: 1684-4904; 2224-0039

Lexicographers define words but still lack a clear and unambiguous understanding of the word lexicographer. This paper gives a brief discussion of the problems experienced in trying to determine exactly what a lexicographer is. The distinction between theoretical and practical lexicographers is quite clear but within both these categories there are grey areas where it is not so clear whether a specific participant in lexicographic activities qualifies to be called a lexicographer. The lack of formal professional lexicographic qualifications impedes an unambiguous understanding of the word. The emergence of lexicography as an independent discipline compels lexicographers to take a closer look at criteria relevant to identifying someone as being a lexicographer. Wie kan werklik 'n leksikograaf genoem word? Leksikograwe definieer woorde, maar dit ontbreek hulle steeds aan 'n ondubbelsinnige verstaan van die woord leksikograaf. Hierdie artikel bied 'n bondige bespreking van probleme wat ervaar word wanneer gepoog word om werklik te begryp wat 'n leksikograaf is. Die onderskeid tussen teoretiese en praktiese leksikograwe is redelik duidelik, maar binne albei hierdie kategorieë is daar grys gebiede waar dit nie sonder meer gesê kan word of 'n bepaalde deelnemer aan leksikografiese aktiwiteite wel daarvoor kwalifiseer om 'n leksikograaf genoem te word nie. Op internasionale vlak bemoeilik die gebrek aan formele professionele leksikografiese kwalifikasies 'n ondubbelsinnige begrip van die woord. Die ontluiking van leksikografie as 'n onafhanklike dissipline dwing leksikograwe om nouer ondersoek in te stel na daardie kriteria wat ter sake is om iemand as 'n leksikograaf te kan identifiseer.