Microsoft Word Lx14steyn doc

4.3 
Order of data types in the microstructure 
Another aspect of the inner access structure is the order in which data types are 
presented. According to Gouws (1993: 37), the hierarchical character of the 
microstructure gives prominence to the first entries and gives them a position 
of major focus, whereas the last entries receive far less focus. This should influ-
ence the organisation of information in the dictionary. Being familiar with the 
specific typological criteria, a lexicographer knows what the priority of his/her 
dictionary is and which entry should receive the most emphasis. The lexico-
graphers of TAW deem the translation equivalents, followed by the example 
material, as the most important data categories in the dictionary article. Conse-
quently these entries are placed at the beginning of the article in the focus 
position. On the other hand, parts of speech are indicated at the end of the arti-
cle. Because the ordering of the data categories in this dictionary deviates from 
the traditional placing, it is marked with a structural marker, namely a square. 
4.4 Data-architecture 
One of the problems users experience on their internal search is the unclear 
division between data categories. This problem can be solved, firstly by using a 
well-developed micro-architecture, thereby incorporating white spaces. A sec-
ond solution is to distinguish between different search zones by using typo-
graphical structure indicators, for example semibold, italic, normal, capital let-
ters, etc. Although they are not functional text segments but attributes of the 
data form, they indicate boundaries between different search zones. Decisions 
about the typographical structure indicators or markers form part of the data-
architecture of the article. It requires that the lexicographer actively participate 
in the layout of articles in order to create unambiguously defined data units 
which enhance the access to information. The data-architecture should also 
help to create a coherent and integrated article. Examples 9.1 and 9.2 illustrate 
the effect of typographic structural markers or the lack thereof on the easy 
retrieval of information. 
An important fact to keep in mind when planning the data-architecture, as 
with any other aspect of a learner's dictionary, is to guard against the excessive 
varying of the structural indicators which can hinder readability and compli-
cate the internal search route.