The Essence of the Concept "Electronic Dictionary": Problems of Definition, Common and Differential Features

Abstract

Abstract. The article deals with the problem of defining the essence of the concept "electronic dictionary". Different approaches to understanding the content, scope and features of the basic concept of computer lexicography are described, as the issue of lexicographic objects’ nomenclature is ambiguous and acquires special controversy regarding electronic dictionaries. The range of computer lexicography products is so wide and varied that attempts to limit the scope of these concepts to a single definition seem almost impossible.

The problems of definition are due to both the relative novelty and complexity of the nature of the denotation, which has many synonymous significations: "machine-readable", "automatic", "automated", "computer", "electronic", "digital" dictionary, the simultaneous rotation of which leads to terminological inconsistency and confusion. In scientific works, these concepts are often used in logical relations of identity, subordination, coordination and inclusion.

The purpose of the article is to analyse the concept "electronic dictionary" in the context of modern research in the field of computer lexicography, scientific and regulatory sources. Such methods as an analysis of scientific sources, comparison, generalization and systematization have been applied in the research.

It has been established, that, at present, there is no single point of view among scholars not only on terminology but also on the interpretation of the concept denoted by these terms.  In Ukraine, the terminology of computer lexicography is not standardized. Based on the analysis and generalization of scientific works and current standards of electronic editions, the common and differential features of the concept of "electronic dictionary" are revealed, its essence is specified. An electronic dictionary is defined as an electronic reference edition placed on electronic storage media or network, which contains an ordered list of linguistic units with information on their meaning, use, structure, origin or (and) translated into another language, and which cannot be transformed into paper analogue without reducing its functions.

Considerable attention is paid to the comparison of functional and structural features of printing and electronic dictionaries. An electronic dictionary is a specific lexicographic object that enables to implement many productive ideas that are not demanded in printed dictionaries for various reasons. Theoretical and empirical studies in the field of computer lexicography is a promising area of further research.