Internship in Lexicography
Programme Overview
- Name of the internship Programme: Internship in Lexicography
- Area of specialization: Linguistics (Dravidian and Indo European)
- Name of the Coordinator: Dr. Midhun K S
- Duration of the programme: 60 hrs. (12 Days)
- Industry/Institution linkages if any: Thunch Ethuzhachan Malayalam University, Tirur
- Targeted number of participants: 10
- Eligibility Criteria: Undergraduate students
- Beneficiary departments other than parent department: All Language department
Programme Details
Lexicography is the science and practice of compiling dictionaries. It is a crucial field in documenting, preserving, and analyzing languages, especially in a multilingual and multicultural country like India. This internship aims to introduce undergraduate students to the basic concepts, procedures, and tools of lexicography, with special emphasis on Indian languages, including Dravidian and Indo-European families. The course will also explore applied linguistics, onomastics (the study of names), and tribal language documentation through dictionary-making.
Objectives of the Internship
- To provide foundational knowledge in lexicography and dictionary-making
- To introduce linguistic features of Dravidian and Indo-European languages of India
- To familiarize students with onomastics and tribal language documentation
- To provide hands-on training in creating dictionaries using digital tools
- To develop practical skills in data collection, entry writing, and dictionary structuring
Topics Covered
- Introduction to Lexicography: History, Types, and Scope
- Dravidian and Indo-European Languages of India: An Overview
- Applied Linguistics and its Role in Lexicography
- Basics of Onomastics and Onomastic Dictionary Making
- Dravidian Tribal Languages and Lexicographic Documentation
- Field Data Collection and Analysis Techniques
- Hands-on Training in Dictionary Compilation
- Software Tools for Lexicography
Internship Activities
- Preparation of an Onomastic Dictionary (based on personal, place, or community names)
- Development of a Mini Tribal Language Dictionary (using data from field sources or secondary materials)
- Practice sessions using lexicographic software
- Peer-review and collaborative editing of dictionary entries
Expected Outcomes
- Students will be able to understand and apply the basic principles of lexicography
- Each student (or group) will produce a Mini Onomastic Dictionary
- Students will gain basic experience in documenting and compiling entries for tribal or lesser-known languages
- Introduction to relevant lexicographic software for future academic or fieldwork use
Evaluation & Assessment
- Participation and engagement in hands-on training
- Quality and structure of dictionary entries
- Completion of onomastic and tribal language dictionaries
- Presentation and peer feedback
Resources & Tools Used
- FLEx
- Lexique Pro
- Toolbox
