Lexicography

The English dictionary was not written by one person, nor in one take (not even in a single age). A
dictionary is a living document that changes as new words and new definitions for existing words come
to be. Dictionaries are created and maintained by people called lexicographers, who are tasked with
compiling a list of every word in a given language. Lexicography is the work of maintaining these
important texts. The history of lexicography dates back to ancient times, revealing the importance of a
standardized list of words in any language.

Definition of Lexicography
The English dictionary, as we understand it today, is an alphabetized list of
words and their definitions. Each dictionary entry typically includes the
following features:

 Word definition
 List of synonyms for the word
 Example of use
 Pronunciation
 Etymology (word origins)

So, the word lexicography would be situated in the dictionary

Lex·i·cog·ra·phy (noun)

Definition
The process of compiling, editing, or studying a dictionary or other reference text.

Types of Dictionary
Usage dictionaries:
They are the fundamentals and the first that we begin to use
at an early age, mainly in schools. It is the dictionary in which
we can find the words we need to communicate and their
meaning in our language. This type of dictionary allows us to
solve doubts regarding words that we do not know, it allows us to
access different meanings that perhaps escape us. Remember
that these dictionaries are usually adapted to different ages. It is
easy to find dictionaries of use for children and within this group,
for children of very different ages. This type of dictionary is found
in all languages. If you study a foreign language, it will not be
convenient to have a dictionary of use in the new language at
hand until you have a high knowledge and command of it.
Visual dictionaries:
They are those that have the same function as the previous
ones. They collect a series of fundamental words with their
meaning, but they are quite practical, since they are
accompanied by photos with which users can clearly clarify the
meaning (s) of the different words. They are essential for foreign
languages, especially for children, since it is much more enjoyable
and easy for them to memorize new words and their meaning, but
they are recommended for any age. If it is easier for you to learn
with a visual dictionary, don't think twice and get yours. Look for
one of quality and adapted to your needs.
Bilingual dictionaries:
They are the ones we use when we study a foreign language. It is
a dictionary that collects words in the two reference languages,
so that you know how the same word is said in both languages. In
our case, the language combination will always be with
Spanish. This type of dictionary is also adapted to the user's
level. In any case, if you plan to study up to the higher levels of a
foreign language, get one that allows you to use it throughout the
entire course of your study
The synonyms dictionaries:
Although it may sound strange beforehand, this type of dictionary
is widely used, especially by language
professionals (proofreaders, translators, writers, students,
teachers ...). It is a dictionary that contains a list of words along
with others with the same meaning. This allows you to find groups
of very different words, but that mean the same thing.
Dictionaries of antonyms:
They are exactly the same as the previous ones, but what they
collect are lists of words together with others with completely
opposite meanings, words that mean just the
opposite. Sometimes the two types of dictionaries, synonyms and
antonyms, can be found in the same volume.
The normative dictionaries:
In this case, it is the dictionary that we could consider as "official",
since it collects the words that language academies accept due to
their widespread use among speakers. In our case it is
the Dictionary of the RAE , in which we can find all the words
that are considered within the norm and that the Academy
considers necessary to incorporate them into its list of words in
use.
- Etymological dictionaries:
They are those that collect the origin of the different words. As
you can imagine, it is an excellent and important material, as well
as interesting, that allows its users to expand their knowledge of
words. They are a great source of knowledge. Very accepted and
needed among philologists especially, but also among a wide
range of the population with a love of words and with a curiosity
for languages.
- The encyclopedic dictionaries:
Although currently they have little use since they have been
replaced by the Internet, this type of dictionary has always
been the source of consultations for all students . It is a very
practical type of dictionary, since it collects knowledge either by
historical stages, study disciplines ..., with extended and detailed
information. They are always accompanied by images, graphics,
diagrams and all the visual elements that make the study more
illustrated and easy, as well as enjoyable. It is very easy to find
them in the homes of any family, since it has been the support of
all of them to solve doubts before the appearance of the
Internet. And although now the Web contains all the information
we need and more, it is highly recommended to have
encyclopedic dictionaries at hand.
- Technical dictionaries:
They collect words typical of a discipline. That is, they are
dictionaries with a specialized vocabulary, for all those who work
with a specific sector can easily find all the terms that can be
used for their work. Very appropriate for those who are
investigating as well.
Features of a good dictionary
Meaning
The most important information about a word that a dictionary contains is
the meaning. One word can have many different meanings, some of which may
be very similar to each other, while some might be quite different. The meanings
are usually listed in order of frequency, in other words so that the most common
meaning comes first, with the least common one at the end. Consider the
following two sentences, using the word appreciate.
 Few people appreciate the importance of a good dictionary.
 He appreciated the help his teacher gave him.
The following is the dictionary entry for this word, taken from Princeton's Wordnet
database (a copy of which is available on this website).
Grammatical information
A good dictionary will give grammatical information about each word. The most
basic type is part of speech, that is whether the word is
a noun, verb, adjective, adverb and so on. Other grammatical information which
can be given is whether a noun is countable or uncountable, whether a verb is
irregular, or whether a verb is transitive (i.e. followed by an object), intransitive
(not followed by an object) or both. Most dictionaries will use a series of
abbreviations for this, for example [U] for uncountable, irreg for irregular,
and vt and vi for transitive and intransitive verbs respectively.
Spelling
English spelling can be a very difficult area even for those whose first language is
English. A dictionary will obviously be useful in checking the spelling of words,
which is important for writing. If you are typing up an essay or assignment, the
word processing software you are using will almost certainly have a spellcheck
function which will probably be your first step in checking spelling, for example
when proofreading. Where a dictionary is most useful is in pointing out special
spelling rules, such as whether a final letter needs to be doubled when creating
verb forms, such as format which has verb forms formats,
formatted and formatting. A dictionary will give information on variant spellings,
for instance British versus American English.