English Dictionaries 800-1700: The Topical Tradition

by Werner Hïllen

Overview

This fascinating study explores the so-called topical, i.e. non-alphabetical, word-lists which appeared between the beginnings of written culture and 1700. A form of early dictionary, these lists followed the influential paradigms of theology, philosophy, and natural history of the time, providing us with evidence on cultural history and linguistic development. Professor Hüllen draws on many examples to provide an insight into this lexicographical tradition.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199291045
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	04/13/2006
Pages:	544
Product dimensions:	9.10(w) x 6.00(h) x 1.20(d)
Lexile:	1350L (what's this?)

About the Author

University of Essen (Emeritus)

Table of Contents

A - Opening the Topic1. The onomasiological approach2. On establishing a traditionB - The English Tradition of Onomasiology3. Hermeneumata, Latin-English glosses and nominales4. Colloquies, wordbooks, and dialogues for teaching and learning foreign languages5. Treatises on terminology6. John Withals' dictionary for young boys (1553)7. James Howell's dictionary for the genteel (1660)8. John Wilkins' comprehensive thesaurus of English (1668)C - The European Scene9. Multilingual dictionaries and nomenclators10. The case of Johannes Amos ComeniusD - Reflections on the Topic11. Towards mental lexicographyContributors