orðabókfræði

Orðabókfræði is the Icelandic term for lexicography, the practice of compiling dictionaries. It encompasses the theoretical and practical aspects of creating and editing dictionaries. This field studies the principles behind dictionary design, including how to select entries, define words, provide etymological information, and present usage examples.

The history of lexicography in Iceland is closely tied to the development of the Icelandic language itself. Early efforts focused on translating and standardizing the language, with significant contributions made by scholars in the 19th and 20th centuries. The establishment of institutions dedicated to language research, such as the Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies, has played a crucial role in advancing Icelandic lexicography.

Modern Icelandic lexicography involves not only traditional print dictionaries but also the development of digital resources. These digital dictionaries offer features like advanced search capabilities, multimedia content, and ongoing updates to reflect the evolving nature of the language. The compilation process often involves extensive corpus linguistics research, where large collections of text and speech are analyzed to understand word usage and frequency. Orðabókfræði also considers the user's perspective, aiming to create dictionaries that are accessible and useful for a wide range of users, from language learners to native speakers and researchers. The ultimate goal is to produce comprehensive and accurate reference works that document and explain the Icelandic lexicon.