Microsoft Word Lx14steyn doc

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Lexikos 14 (AFRILEX-reeks/series: 14: 2004): 275-298 
The Access Structure in Learner's 
Dictionaries
*
Mariza Steyn, Unit for Afrikaans, Language Centre, University of 
Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, Republic of South Africa ([e-mail])
Abstract:
Dictionaries have to be compiled in accordance with specific target users and dic-
tionary goals. User orientation is, however, not the only criterion for measuring the success of a 
dictionary. Present-day lexicography requires the evaluation of the accessibility of dictionaries. The 
ease with which macro- and microstructural information is located and retrieved determines the 
quality and accessibility of the presentation. User-orientated, accessible learner's dictionaries can 
contribute substantially to the improvement of communication in a multilingual South Africa with 
different groups of language learners.
Metalexicography makes provision for guide structures that facilitate access to information in 
the dictionary. The outer, inner and meta-access structure are functional structure elements that 
increase the retrievability of information and help the user to reach, as swiftly as possible, the in-
formation he/she is looking for. During the planning of a learner's dictionary, the lexicographer 
must draw up, among others, a dictionary plan in which a detailed explanation of the outer and 
inner access structure is given. Such a dictionary plan contributes to a consistent application of 
lexicographical decisions. Decisions regarding the access structure must also be explained and 
illustrated in the front text in order to enable learners to acquire dictionary skills and become effec-
tive dictionary users. 
Keywords:
METALEXICOGRAPHY
, 
OUTER ACCESS STRUCTURE
, 
INNER ACCESS 
STRUCTURE
, 
LEARNER
'
S DICTIONARY
, 
FRAME STRUCTURE
, 
UNINTEGRATED
, 
INTE
-
GRATED
, 
MONO
- 
AND POLY
-
ACCESSIBLE
, 
OUTER TEXTS
, 
OUTER RAPID ACCESS
, 
DATA 
DISTRIBUTION STRUCTURE
, 
MICRO
-
ARCHITECTURE
, 
DATA
-
ARCHITECTURE
, 
DATA EX
-
POSURE STRUCTURE
, 
META
-
ACCESS