Dicionário: alcance e limites

Abstract

The dictionary plays an important role in the acquisition of a second language as well as in the betterment of the mother tongue. While interest for studies of grammar are comparatively recent, the focus on lexis is as old as the history of written language. In fact, if language structures studied by syntax are important, so are lexical units, accountable for communication. As a matter of fact, without grammar very little can be conveyed, without vocabulary nothing can be conveyed. Hence the importance of the instrument aiming at the acquisition and expansion of lexical wealth. However, we cannot expect from the dictionary ready-made solutions for all lexical problems. There are cases wherein the solution comes from the context. Curiously enough we resort to the dictionary in order to further our knowledge of the language. Yet without a reasonable knowledge of that language, our search may be unsuccessful.