Unpacking colonialist and racist ideologies in historical German lexicons: A critical analysis of the Afrika Hand-Lexikon (1885) and similar reference books

IF 0.3 0 LANGUAGE & LINGUISTICS LEXICOGRAPHICA Pub Date : 2023-11-01 DOI:10.1515/lex-2023-0006

Adam Kirchner

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Abstract

Abstract This article This article has been adapted from the author’s master’s thesis as part of completion of the European Master in Lexicography (EMLex). delves into the impact of colonialist and racist ideologies as manifested in lexicons, with a special focus on the Afrika Hand-Lexikon (1885) and other lexicons from the German colonialist period (1884–1914). By examining the front matter and selected entries from these lexicons, the article uncovers the origins of racial hierarchies and scrutinizes dehumanization tactics, including the use of animal metaphors. Moreover, the article provides historical context to understand the language and rhetorical devices employed by lexicographers such as Paul Heichen in the Afrika Hand-Lexikon. Additionally, it emphasizes the pivotal role that colonialist ideologies played in influencing the ideologies embraced by the Nazi regime in its war of extermination. Through this analysis, the article sheds light on the historical significance of lexicons in perpetuating and legitimizing derogatory language, while also underscoring their relevance in comprehending the broader socio-political impact of colonialism and racism.

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解读历史德语词典中的殖民主义和种族主义意识形态：对《非洲手词典》（1885 年）和类似参考书的批判性分析

摘要本文改编自作者的硕士论文，是完成欧洲词典学硕士（EMLex）课程的一部分。本文深入探讨了体现在词典中的殖民主义和种族主义意识形态的影响，特别关注《非洲手词典》（1885 年）和德国殖民主义时期（1884-1914 年）的其他词典。通过研究这些词典的扉页和部分条目，文章揭示了种族等级制度的起源，并仔细研究了非人化策略，包括动物隐喻的使用。此外，文章还提供了历史背景，以便理解《非洲手词典》中保罗-海森等词典编纂者所使用的语言和修辞手段。此外，文章还强调了殖民主义意识形态在影响纳粹政权在其灭绝战争中所采用的意识形态方面所起的关键作用。通过分析，文章揭示了词典在使贬损性语言永久化和合法化方面的历史意义，同时也强调了词典在理解殖民主义和种族主义的广泛社会政治影响方面的相关性。

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LEXICOGRAPHICA Multiple-

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