| Abstract: |
This paper introduces a new lexicographic resource, MuLeXFoR, which aims to present word-formation processes in a multilingual database designed for both language specialists (e.g. linguists, terminologists, lexicographers, NLP specialists) as well as second-language (L2) learners and trainee translators. Morphological items (e.g. afxes, compound parts, combining forms) and processes (prefxation, sufxation, compounding, conversion, etc.) pose major challenges for lexicographic work, especially with respect to the design of bilingual and multilingual resources. It is well-known that derivational afxes can take part in several wordformation rules and that, conversely, rules can be realised by means of a variety of afxes. In view of this complexity, it is often difficult to (1) provide enough information to help users understand the meaning(s) of an afx and the (near-)synonymy relations between afxes and (2) become familiar with the most frequent strategies used to translate the meaning(s) conveyed by these afxes. In fact, traditional dictionaries often fail to achieve this goal. The MuLeXFoR database tries to take advantage of recent advances in morphological description and the development of electronic multi-access database systems. The database relies on the lexematic approach to word-formation, which is especially helpful to represent morphological processes cross-linguistically. In addition, it has been entirely implemented in a multi-access database interface. The prototype described in this paper so far centres around prefxation in English, French and Italian. Two interfaces are currently available: a comprehensive interface aimed at morphological and lexicographic investigations by language specialists (MuLeXFoR-Linguists) and a second interface designed for second-language learners or trainee translators (MuLeXFoR-Learners). |