Working on the Dictionary of Nizhny Novgorod Proper Names: the Structure of the Dictionary Article

Abstract

In discussing the structure of dictionary entries for linguoculturological dictionaries of proper names, the author emphasizes the great importance of creating dictionaries of this type, both from the point of view of the language and from the point of view of culture, since such lexicographic sources serve to reflect and preserve the cultural space of the region. The aim of the study was to determine the optimal structure of an entry in a dictionary of proper names. Using the descriptive method as well as methods of analysis and interpretation, and leaning on the existing draft version of the dictionary of proper names of Nizhny Novgorod, the author postulates that the optimal dictionary entry should include brief information about the meaning of the word (or word combination), analysis of its morphemic structure, information on its grammatical features (e.g. declension paradigm), a list of its possible syntactic roles, etymological information, historical information, and visual material (photographs, drawings, etc.). To illustrate her point, the author includes several examples of dictionary entries of proper names of different types (toponyms, hydronyms, anthroponyms, etc.) and follows them up with a discussion of the main principle for constructing an entry article of a linguistic-cultural dictionary of proper names, namely: the need to combine linguistic information about the word (or word combination) and cultural-historical information about the object that has this specific proper name. This principle for constructing a dictionary entry is consistent with the principles of the linguocultural approach to language learning, which is highly relevant in modern linguistic science. This structure would provide the dictionary with the widest possible application and make it user-friendly for journalists, local historians, public figures, and teachers, including those teaching Russian to foreigners.