Microsoft Word Lx14steyn doc

3.6 
Outer rapid access structure 
The last part of the outer access structure consists of the outer rapid access 
structure. To speed up access in the word list, structural indicators are usually 
used to separate the different word list sections. According to Hausmann and 
Wiegand (1989: 335), these bold face capitals A, B … Z represent the access 
alphabet of the dictionary. These non-typographical structural indicators can 
be supported by a thumb index on the outside of the dictionary page. It forms 
part of the outer rapid access structure giving quick access to the pages dealing 
with the letter or letters in question. The outer access structure is continued in 
the running heads of each page. They are guiding elements which consist of 
one or more words or parts of words at the top of each page. 
Different dictionaries employ different systems of running heads, for in-
stance OALD gives the first lemma of the left page and the last lemma of the 
right page. A clearer indication of the scope of a page forms part of a user-
friendly approach. In the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary the space reserved for 
running heads is used to explicate an important non-typographical structural 
marker. The user thereby has rapid access to specific information without 
having to page to the users' guidelines for clarification. 
A further element of the outer access structure which contributes to a 
rapid detection of different dictionary parts is coloured pages or edges of 
pages. In a bilingual learner's dictionary these pages can divide the two main 
parts of the dictionary, whereas in a monolingual learner's dictionary they can 
indicate study pages, minigrammars or illustration leaflets/plates. 

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3.7 Conclusion 
Lexicographers have to provide an innovative and creative outer access struc-
ture to facilitate the outer search route of the learner. Decisions regarding the 
outer access structure must be explained and illustrated in the front matter. 
Lexicographers have various options to improve the outer access structure of 
the dictionary. Gouws (1996: 21) sums it up as follows: "On the one hand, the 
lexicographer could add special entries or alter the presentation of macro-
structural elements and on the other hand, the lexicographer could include 
additional access structures to create a poly-accessible dictionary." An example 
of a dictionary employing an innovative outer access structure is the Kenkyu-
sha's Lighthouse English–Japanese Dictionary where structural markers indicate 
the usage frequency of the lemmas. Furthermore, the core vocabulary is pre-
sented in colour and a bigger type face. It is especially useful for the beginner 
because core vocabulary can be identified at a glance.