Lexicographers write, compile and edit dictionaries. They work on one of the following types of dictionary:
* English for native speakers;
* English for learners of English;
* technical;
* bilingual, for native speakers or learners of English.
English language lexicographers monitor and record uses of language and use databases to interrogate a wide range of evidence. They consider both the meaning and usages of words and compile definitions in a structured manner. Lexicographers writing definitions for English learner dictionaries also take into consideration the difficulties learners have with learning English. Bilingual lexicographers translate words and expressions, rather than defining them.
Lexicographers edit, proofread and check the accuracy of their own and others' text, and perform editorial tasks. They reassess existing entries, and use evidence and judgement to identify and consider possible new entries.
Typical work activities
The daily activities of all types of lexicographer typically include:
* checking and proofreading text;
* compiling new and reviewing existing definitions in strict accordance with previously agreed protocols;
* writing advertising copy about specific titles for use in catalogues and brochures;
* identifying new words that are in common usage for inclusion in the dictionary.
Additional daily activities of an English language lexicographer include:
* using specialist databases comprising thousands of pieces of language from a wide range of sources (including literature, newspapers and transcripts of television and radio - this body of language is known as the 'corpus');
* checking the corpus for evidence of meanings and usages of a word or phrase;
* using judgement to assess which meaning of a word is the primary (most used) meaning, which meanings are secondary or less commonly used, and in which order the meanings should be ranked;
* monitoring and recording changes in the use of words and phrases that have been noticed in the course of day-to-day life.
Additional daily tasks of a bilingual lexicographer include:
* translating words and expressions in both directions (e.g., from English to French and from French to English);
* discussing and resolving problematic translations with native-speaking editors;
* writing grammatical and/or cultural supplements included in some editions of translation dictionaries;
* constructing ‘help pages’ to include pictures and labels, e.g., listing the parts of a computer;
* conducting market research with book retailers, students and teachers.
Daily activities of a project manager role typically include:
* considering and deciding upon future projects;
* discussing and agreeing upon a framework, methodology and style of presentation for a new project;
* managing financial resources to ensure that a project is completed to a tight budget;
* managing the time and activities of the team working on a project to ensure that it is completed to a tight deadline;
* liaising with marketing staff to produce a marketing strategy for the publication.