From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A multi-field dictionary is a
specialized dictionary that has been designed and compiled
to cover the terms within two or more subject fields.
Multi-field dictionaries should be contrasted with
single-field dictionaries and
sub-field dictionaries.
The typology consisting of these three dictionaries is
important for a number of reasons. First of all, a multi-field
dictionary is an example of the ordinary technical dictionary,
covering a large number of separate subject fields, e.g.
banking, economics, finance, insurance and marketing.
The main problem with multi-field dictionaries is that they
tend to cover one or two subjects extensively, whereas the vast
majority of subject are only represented by a very limited
number of terms.
Secondly, the typical multi-field dictionary tends to be a
minimizing dictionary, i.e. it covers only a limited number
of terms within the subjects covered.
Thirdly, if the
lexicographers intend to make a bilingual, maximizing
multi-field dictionary they run into problems with the large
amount of data that has to be included in the dictionary.
Consequently, the best coverage of linguistic and
extra-linguistic aspects within the subject field covered by a
dictionary will be found in a
single-field dictionary.
Relevant literature
Sandro Nielsen: "Contrastive Description of Dictionaries
Covering LSP Communication". In: Fachsprache/International
Journal of LSP 3-4/1990, 129-136.
