The Dictionary Watching over Itself: The Intermediate Dictionary as a Prototype

Abstract

The Intermediate Dictionary is considered among the most important
dictionaries for the Arab elite, not only because it combines conservation
and renewal, but because it is well-arranged with clear pictures and shapes
(400 drawings) and includes terms in most disciplines. Those qualities
have been acquired because of the numerous stages over the numerous
editions.
However, dictionary writing remains associated with internal and
external control by linguists, lexicographers, and readers, which affects
the trajectories of dictionaries. In other words, some tend to resist change
while others tend to hover between conservation and renewal.
This article aims at investigating the impact of protectionism, control,
and fanaticism along with some of its manifestations at the level of AlBaa entry of The Intermediate Dictionary. It also aims at highlighting the
deficiencies that resulted from the resistance to change in the dictionary.