Since feedback from the participants is very important to the Bureau, evaluation forms are completed at the end of every course. The feedback has contributed to the evolution of the course over the past years. A certificate of attendance detailing the topics covered in the training is presented to each participant upon completion of every course.
The course in general lexicography covers many aspects of the theory of dictionary making. However, the aim of the course is the practical implementation of the theory of lexicography. Consequently much time is devoted to practical lexicography. The focus of the course is on descriptive dictionaries.
All participants have access to computers during the practical side of this component. A series of exercises guide them towards the compilation of dictionary articles using a template of tags. Participants with little or no computer experience receive personal attention from the presenters and progress at their own pace.
The course is well-documented and notes are made available to the participants during the course. The medium of instruction is English or Afrikaans, or both of these languages.
The needs of each group of participants are taken into consideration during the presentation of the course, thus the course has a dynamic character. Since the number of participants is usually limited to no more than six people per session, there is an opportunity for interaction between trainer and participant.
The following themes are covered in the component on general lexicography:
The contents of the course in computer lexicography is changed annually to keep abreast of developments in computer technology, software and computer lexicography.
This component primarily covers matters of relevance to editorial and management staff of lexicographic projects in a general and nonspecialist manner. Issues such as the benefits of computerization, networks, hardware and software considerations, training and support are covered. The Bureau's system serves to illustrate some of these topics, and possible improvements or alternatives to the Bureau's system are also discussed.
Particular attention is given to language material collection and editorial processing. Some basic principles of database and corpus design and their use are discussed. The making of structured manuscript in a database and tagged text environment is also dealt with.
Participants have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in manuscript making in a tagged text dictionary-making system. Electronic dictionaries on CD-ROM and the Internet are also demonstrated, as well as corpus-processing and concordancing tools.
A handbook containing exercises and a reading list is provided. Sample software and further reading matter are also provided, and participants can suggest how this component may be improved.
The Bureau has also developed prototype editorial manuscript-making systems for dictionary projects, together with manuals.
Below is a more detailed list of the topics covered:
Senior or postgraduate students in lexicography -- both locally and from abroad -- who wish to gain practical experience of dictionary-making, can be accommodated at the Bureau. They receive training according to their needs in selected components of the training courses discussed above. During the final stage the students have the opportunity to compile dictionary articles on computer, utilizing the data of the Bureau.
Lectures dealing mainly with the traditional typology of dictionaries and the dictionary-making process are presented on request. Groups of scholars, students and other interested persons can request these lectures.
Click to contact Dr W.F. Botha, Editor-in-Chief, to attend a course or to obtain more information.