An analysis of the megastructure and mediostructure aspects for Kriel, Pharos, and Oxford northern Sotho-English bilingual dictionaries.

Abstract

This study examines the megastructure and mediostructure features of the Kriel, Pharos, and Oxford Northern Sotho-English bilingual dictionaries. The study is prompted by the deficiencies in the presentation of megastructure and mediostructure features of the aforementioned bilingual dictionaries. The aforementioned Northern Sotho-English bilingual dictionaries are being utilised for communicative and receptive purposes such as teaching and learning, as well as language practice by its intended target users. The study supports for the presentation of a complete megastructure and mediostructure in bilingual dictionaries that match the target users' current demands.The study was conducted qualitatively, using the Lexicographic theory of Function in conjunction with the lexicographic principle of user-friendliness. The collected data was presented and analysed in Chapters Four and Five of the study. The fourth chapter of the study focuses on satisfying the first two research objectives by analysing the megastructure's presentation and the usage of cotext and context. Chapter Five concentrated on the display of mediostructure, the application of the reversibility principle, and the classification of lexicographic data boxes. Given that the bilingual dictionaries were traditionally constructed, the study's findings suggest that the compilers did not consult with the intended target users before creating the bilingual dictionaries. Furthermore, several of the multilingual dictionaries lack user-friendly front matter. Additionally, the compilers did not consider the correctness and suitability of the provided translation equivalents and contextual assistance. Furthermore, the study revealed that the bilingual dictionary compilers are not Northern Sotho native speakers; however, at the time of publication, statutory bodies such as the National Lexicographic Units and Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) were established to provide sociolinguistic and societal support to the bilingual dictionary compilers. The study suggests that future bilingual dictionaries should consider the needs of the target user and ensure that the bilingual dictionary meets both communicative and receptive functions to compile a comprehensive megastructure that will have a positive impact on the presentation of the mediostructure.