African lexicography: Progressing toward a full-fledged lexicographic environment

Abstract

This paper discusses various aspects of the development of African lexicography. It shows that this development went through different phases. In the course of time, the early externally motivated dictionaries were replaced by internally motivated dictionaries that responded to the needs of the indigenous speech communities and were compiled by local lexicographers. Moving towards a comprehensive dictionary culture African lexicography is characterized by an interactive relation between theory and practice, by the availability of a variety of dictionary types and by attempts to enhance training of dictionary makers, dictionary researchers and dictionary users. An African lexicographic association creates the opportunity for conferences, discussions and collaboration between lexicographers of the continent, and they have the opportunity to publish their research findings in an internationally acclaimed journal.