Dynamic Lexicographic Data Modelling. A Diachronic Dictionary Development Report

Abstract

Lexical units of several different language areas show noticeable similarities in their semantic structure, corresponding to their etymological development. This phenomenon of polygenetical evolution leads to the assumption that lexical innovations are strongly influenced by cognitive constants. These cognitive constants can be seen as a result of anthropological predispositions. In order to examine the relevant constants and the resulting polygenesis, a model of diachronic filiation has been developed. This model has the capacity to analyse highly complex cases of lexical evolution. An easily readable access and representation system is given by a linear notation method. This method is able to annotate all lexical innovations; however, it is not suitable for computer based analyses. We have therefore subsequently introduced an entity-relationship model representing the linguistic data model. Integrated into a powerful DBMS, this allows a dynamic representation of the underlying diachronic lexicon which has been compiled in our projects.

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