Small Dictionaries and Curiosity: Lexicography and Fieldwork in Post-Medieval Europe

Abstract

isation of Frisian, Pieter Duijff presents details of the problems that arise when deciding on preferred word forms in the standard word list for Frisian, whereby peripheral dialect terms are usually discounted and greater distance from dominant languages are encouraged. Miren Lourdes Oñederra discusses the currently unresolved matter of the standard pronunciation of Basque. Whilst encouraging a large degree of variation to be allowed in standard Basque pronunciation, Oñederra at the same time draws attention to speakers of Basque who learn the language as a second language and who have little experience of the dialects, hence showing that the task involves keeping a delicate balance between uniformity and variation. In her general discussion of standard languages and standards, Pam Peters neatly sums up in the epilogue the main themes covered in the preceding chapters and succinctly describes the common linkages in the contributions. Overall, the volume serves as a valuable resource for exploring language norms and standards from the angle of prescriptivism. The goals of the book to embrace a broad scope of linguistic contexts across four very different thematic sections are commendable. For the most part, the book succeeds in fulfilling these objectives. The chapters are generally well-researched, largely refer to relevant empirical data where appropriate and provide new insights from both contemporary and historical approaches, making the volume a respectable and worthy addition to the field.