What does it really take to create a dictionary? To many of us, dictionaries are simply there when we need them, sitting quietly on a shelf or just a quick search away online. Yet behind every definition lies a rich world of research, structure and carefully considered language work.
During the week of 26 to 30 January, Language Centre colleagues Chantal Ellis (Terminology Coordinator) and Dr Alta van Rensburg (Deputy Director) had the opportunity to explore this world through a lexicography course hosted by the Department of Afrikaans and Dutch, presented by Afrilex council members Drs André du Plessis, of the WAT (Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal), and Lorna Morris, a freelance lexicographer and researcher.
The course kicked off with Prof Rufus Gouws providing an engaging historical overview of lexicography, offering valuable context for understanding how the discipline has developed over time. The programme then moved to an in-depth exploration of how dictionaries are planned, compiled and maintained. Participants were guided to carefully consider the processes and structures lexicographers use to represent language accurately. The intersection between lexicographic theory and practice was explored, with special attention to the complexity of dictionary-making.
One of the discussions of the week focused on the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in lexicography. Discussions centred on what AI might mean for the future of dictionary compilation, analysis of language data, and the evolving responsibilities of lexicographers in an increasingly digital environment.
A highlight of the week was a visit to the Bureau of the WAT, a cornerstone institution in Afrikaans lexicography. Participants were welcomed and guided by the Editor-in-Chief and Executive Director, Dr Phillip Louw. They visited the storage space, or kluis, where more than 3,5 million index cards containing contributions submitted over many years by ordinary Afrikaans speakers are preserved. Each index card captures a real moment of language use and forms part of the extensive evidence base underpinning the dictionary.
The visit also included the WAT’s library, where a significant three-year project is currently underway to digitise and digitalise their Afrikaans material. This initiative aims to convert large volumes of printed and handwritten material into digital resources to support future lexicographic work. It was an impressive illustration to the group of how traditional lexicography continues to evolve through technological innovation.
Following the tour, the group had the opportunity to engage in an insightful discussion with WAT staff about their work, current challenges and future projects.
The week concluded on a warm and collegial note with a light lunch, a fitting close to an inspiring and intellectually enriching learning experience.
Lexicography course presenters and participants: Chantal Ellis, Dariol Wicomb and Ina Genade (front); Lorna Morris, André du Plessis, Alta van Rensburg and Pierre-Marie Finkelstein (back).
– by Chantal Ellis
