SPECIALIZED DICTIONARIES IN THE CONTEXT OF SCOTTISH LEXICOGRAPHY

Abstract

Тhe paper is devoted to the description of specialized dictionaries architecture, which appeared during history of Scottish lexicography. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of Scottish dictionaries within the overall British lexicographical picture and its relationship to English national lexicography, expressed by adherence to the traditional principles of organizing mega-, macro- and microstructures. In contrast, certain diffe rences are reported by the vocabulary entry units of dictionaries and reference books of the Scottish language and Scottish dialects, comprising highly specialized vocabulary, regional vocabulary, as well as neologisms, etc. The article deals with the description of formation and development of three specialized dictionaries groups: dialectal, terminological and author reference books. The analysis of the dictionaries is carried out within historical-typological approach, developed in Russian lexicography. The choice of specialized dictionaries for the lexicographic analysis is connected with the defi nite user groups’ demands when choosing dictionaries for special research and practical purposes. Conducting the analysis of the dictionaries resulted in determining a high degree of development of Scottish reference books, as evidenced by the authority of the publishing house, the number of reprints, the great volume of the dictionary, the number of entry units, as well as the availability of grammatical and phonetic labels and historical reference. Reference to the author dictionaries emphasizes the role of the writer's unique word usage in the process of preserving Scotland's cultural code. Additionally, the current issue of variation and the status of Scotland's dialects and minor languages is revealed through the example of dialect dictionaries. The paper concludes with implications for the future development of the Scottish lexicography in the digital age, both in terms of digitized authoritative works and the development of entirely new print and online projects.