One Database, Four Monofunctional Dictionaries

Abstract

A dictionary is an information tool. In the last century most dictionaries were constructed as polyfunctional tools following a broad and imprecise understanding: A dictionary is to be used by everyone for every kind of communicative and cognitive problem. But normal tools are not polyfunctional. If you go to a shop and ask for a saw, you have to specify first what you are going to saw: a big tree or a small piece of plywood. After having explained that, you will be offered a monofunctional saw. So it should be, too, for the information tool: A good tool is a tool designed for a certain function and for a certain user group for certain needs. This paper will argue for the need of dictionary designs for monofunctional dictionaries. Doing that, we need to be aware of the fact that a lexicographical database is not a dictionary. A database contains data which can be presented in one or more monofunctional or polyfunctional dictionaries.

The database of the dictionary in question comprises 4.015 (September 30st, 2012) cards with definitions, historical background, synonyms, references and links, pictures etc. Outgoing from this database, four different dictionaries are presented. All of them are dictionaries on musical terms mainly from the world of classical music, but also from commercial music and the so-called world music. The music dictionaries intend to be tools for music students in universities and music schools, for both amateurs and professional musicians and for every interested person who wants aid when reading texts on music or who wishes to get further information on musical terms and topics.