An Overview on the Challenges and Practices Involved in Compiling a Literary Dictionary

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Published Mar 12, 2025
https://doi.org/10.70436/nussj.v2i01.24
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Vol. 2 No. 01 (2025): January-March

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Abdul Wahed Rehan
Department of Pashto, Faculty of Languages and Literature, Kandahar University, Kandahar, Afghanistan
Habibullah Popal
Department of Pashto, Faculty of Languages and Literature, Kandahar University, Kandahar, Afghanistan

Abstract

This study highlights the importance of lexicography in clarifying the meaning of words, especially those used in poetry, which often diverge from everyday language. Poetic language, rich in metaphor and imagery, requires specialized knowledge for accurate interpretation, particularly when terms carry cultural, historical, or literary significance. A key focus is on the role of literary dictionaries in documenting words that are rare, ancient, or specific to literary contexts. These words, which may not be found in standard dictionaries, hold significant value in understanding ancient literature and cultural heritage. Lexicographers have to navigate challenges such as documenting words that have fallen out of common use, coining new terms, and recognizing phonetic changes in language. This study collects data from Pashto, Arabic, and English sources, both online and in print. And the collected data is analyzed thematically. The main objective of the study is to explore first the diverse types of literary dictionaries and glossaries along with defining dictionary, glossary, lexigraphy, literal dictionary, and literary dictionary. This study particularly emphasizes the ongoing practices and particular challenges involved in compiling literary dictionaries. The study concludes that literary dictionaries are crucial for preserving linguistic heritage and supporting the contemporary understanding of literary works. The poets and writers contribute to the evolution of language by introducing novel lexicons, which enrich both the literary and general language. It also acknowledges the dynamic nature of language and the need to preserve its cultural and historical context.

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Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite
Rehan, A. W., & Popal, H. (2025). An Overview on the Challenges and Practices Involved in Compiling a Literary Dictionary. Nangarhar University Social Science Journal, 2(01), 7–13. https://doi.org/10.70436/nussj.v2i01.24

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