Definition as a Means of Semantization in the Dictionaries of Linguistic Terms

Abstract

The article is devoted to the definition as the main means of term semantization and systematization of terminological knowledge in specialized dictionaries. Among all the ways of explanation and fixation of term semantics the definition is more predominant and significant. The aim of this research is a comparative study of the definition as the main means of semantization in dictionaries of linguistic terms in Kazakh, Russian and English. Semantization in scientific and technical lexicography is defined as a semantic, logical-conceptual analysis, which includes all the possible ways of disclosure of the term meaning in a specialized dictionary. In terminology the definition may not exist in isolation. It is considered as a part of the information fixing the term. The main aim of any terminological dictionary is to identify the meaning and fix it in the form of definition. The accurately formulated definition is of great scientific importance. The main task of the definition is not to state or describe, but only to identify and outline the object or subject that will be discussed in the future and will be stated. Such methods as descriptive, typological, definitional and comparative are applied to achieve the main aim of this research. Lexicographic fixation allows the definition with partial features of explanation. Generalization of features of the definition form and content, based on the lexicographic materials, highlights its three types: generic-specific, operational and enumerative. Revealing the most important information in the object, the terminological definition emphasizes it, distinguishes it from other objects and warns against mixing the concepts, confusion in the arguments.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n4s2p469