Comparative analysis of structural principles in multilingual dictionaries
Abstract
This study investigates the structural principles of eight multilingual dictionaries encompassing English, Uzbek, and Russian, spanning domains such as anatomy, chemistry, economics, mathematics, computer science, taxation, spirituality, and general usage. The aim is to compare their organizational strategies, entry formats, and supplementary features to assess their effectiveness in meeting the needs of diverse target audiences, including students, professionals, and language learners.
A comparative analysis was conducted on the dictionaries’ structural elements, including entry arrangement (alphabetical order, starting language, directionality), semantic depth (explanatory notes, synonyms, examples), grammatical and phonetic information, and supplementary features (e.g., tables, guides). The dictionaries were evaluated based on their accessibility, usability, and domain-specific utility, drawing from examples and structural patterns observed in each work.
Findings reveal that all dictionaries adopt alphabetical ordering, but their starting languages and directionality vary, reflecting intended users—e.g., bidirectional structures (A. Qosimov & M. Qosimova) enhance versatility, while unidirectional English-first designs (M. Shokirova & Sh. Nurullayev) prioritize scientific audiences. Semantic depth differs, with detailed annotations in anatomy and chemistry dictionaries aiding learners, contrasted by concise, practical entries in taxation and economics dictionaries. Grammatical markers and phonetic transcription are inconsistently provided, with most lacking pronunciation guides, limiting accessibility for non-native speakers. Supplementary features like periodic tables or abbreviation lists enhance usability in some cases.
The dictionaries’ structures align with their specialized purposes, balancing accessibility and depth. However, the widespread absence of phonetic transcription and inconsistent grammatical detail hinder their effectiveness for language learners. Future editions could integrate these elements to improve utility across diverse audiences.
Keywords
Multilingual dictionaries, Structural principles, LexicographyHow to Cite
References
Ergashev, T. (2001). Iqtisodiy atamalarning o‘zbekcha-inglizcha-ruscha lug‘ati (Uzbek-English-Russian dictionary of economic terms). Toshkent: Sharq.
Mahmudov, N., Saidqulov, Z., & Sotimov, G‘. (2006). Komillik kaliti: ma’naviyatdan o‘zbekcha-ruscha-inglizcha lug‘at (Key to perfection: Uzbek-Russian-English dictionary of spirituality). Toshkent: Ma’naviyat.
Nuritdinova, Z., Abduqodirov, A., & Ergasheva, M. (2012). Universal lug‘at (Universal dictionary: English explanatory dictionary with short Russian and Uzbek translations). Toshkent: Yurist-media markazi.
Qosimov, A., & Qosimova, M. (2006). English-Uzbek-Russian, Uzbek-English-Russian Dictionary of Anatomic Terms. Toshkent: Mehridaryo.
Saidov, A., & Yaxyoyeva, D. (2008). Inglizcha-o‘zbekcha-ruscha soliq va iqtisodiyot atamalari lug‘ati (English-Uzbek-Russian dictionary of tax and economic terms). Toshkent: Davlat soliq qo‘mitasi soliq akademiyasi.
Shokirova, M., & Nurullayev, Sh. (2013). English-Uzbek-Russian Dictionary of Chemistry Terms. Toshkent: Tafakkur-Bo‘stoni.
Sobirova, G., Artikova, Yu., Pidayeva, Sh., & Djumabayeva, I. Sh. (2004). Inglizcha-ruscha-o‘zbekcha lug‘at (matematika mutaxassislari uchun) (English-Russian-Uzbek dictionary for mathematics specialists). Toshkent.
Volkoviskaya, D. I., Peremqulova, A., & Hakimov, M. X. (2005). Inglizcha-ruscha-o‘zbekcha kompyuter ilmi bo‘yicha o‘quv lug‘ati (English-Russian-Uzbek Educational Dictionary of Computer Science). Toshkent.
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Ruzimov Sherali Saliyevich
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.