MSc in Lexical Computing and Lexicography

MSc: Lexicography exercises

The purpose of these exercises is to give you an idea of what we will be doing in the practical lexicography parts of the course: while there will be the usual teaching of theory, a proportion of the lexicography work will take the form of exercises like these, carried out individually or in small groups, and forming the basis of discussions afterwards. The coursework also includes the creation of a portfolio of dictionary entries, to be compiled during the course itself.

Do not worry if you cannot ‘do’ all these exercises: lexicography does not deal in black and white, and there is really no such thing as ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ in the decisions involved. The main objective is that you should get a better idea of what learning lexicography is all about. If your native language is not English, some of the decisions you are asked to make may not be as easy for you as they will be for others, and some of the words in the concordance lines will be unfamiliar. But as long as your English reaches the standard stipulated for the MSc, you will have no problems with the coursework.

During the initial week, there will be an opportunity to discuss any points you want to raise about these exercises, so, if you have anything you want to say,
please make a note and bring it to this discussion. We are sorry we cannot enter into any email correspondence about them beforehand.

Activity 1: friendly

Activity 2: lazy

Activity 3: cause and bring about