| Abstract: |
In this paper, we address issues of inconsistencies of dictionary information and how different corpus methods and computer tools can assist in providing systematic cross-referencing. The question is raised how hyperlinking in an electronic reference work can be approached systematically in order to warrant consistent symmetrical links between synonyms or antonyms. Firstly, it is argued that working with a comprehensive corpus does not account for consistent cross-referencing. It is shown that a top-down corpus-driven linguistic analysis also does not guarantee the lexicographic documentation of binary lexico-semantic relations covered by corpus data, as proposed by Paradis/Willners (2006a, b). Secondly, with the help of dictionary examples taken from elexiko (an online dictionary of contemporary German) we demonstrate how a combination of both corpus-driven and corpus-based procedures enables lexicographers to systematically exploit corpus material in more depth than by using only one of these methods. It is also discussed where and why lexicographers are still prone to inconsistencies in the editing processes, irrespective of their underlying corpus methodologies. Finally, we introduce a cross-reference management tool that has been developed for elexiko and we explain its technological prerequisites and implications. This software supports lexicographers in detecting existing and missing references from and to a specific headword. It also offers options to automatically and comfortably correct discrepancies. Overall, we suggest a method that includes linguistic competence, complementary corpus approaches and additional software in order to ensure that links or references between synonymic and antonymic pairings are given in both directions. |