Application of the principles of multimodality in modern lexicography

Abstract

The search for the optimal and most comprehensible ways of lexical units semantization has been the key problem of lexicography and metalexicography for the dictionary user and remains the contemporary problem. Introduction of computer technology has radically changed the concept of the dictionary, solved many problems of the lexicographic genre, and expanded the capabilities of the dictionary user. Along with this, the abundance of lexicographic works, including electronic ones, dictionary platforms, that act as aggregators of several online dictionaries, an overabundance of reference information, disorient an inexperienced consumer. Due to this, the objective of this article is the typology of existing online dictionaries and information dictionary platforms based on the material of the German language, depending on their content and general purpose. The most accurate multi-aspect interpretation of a word comprises various features and connotations taken into account. Nevertheless, the reference nature requires a laconic description of the material, devoid of a formalized metalanguage, and the ability to quickly find the necessary explanation. Regarding this, the analysis of the application of the principles of multimodality is conducted in the article to solve the problems of meaning representation in electronic dictionaries. Besides, the author underlines the significance of the multimodal meaning representation for the effective interpretation of foreign lexis in all variety of nuances, and, therefore, for the effectiveness of a foreign language lexis acquisition and overcoming translation difficulties.