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Value of language-related questions and comments in digital media for lexicographical user research

2016; Oxford University Press; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1093/ijl/ecw017

1477-4577

Špela Arhar Holdt, Jaka Čibej, Ana Zwitter Vitez,

linguistics and terminology studies

This paper explores the possibility of identifying lexicographical needs of language users by analysing user-generated content in digital media, and presents an analysis of more than 1,000 language-related questions and comments posted on Slovene language advice sites, Facebook groups, and news forums. The questions stem from authentic situations of language disruptions that can be taken into account when improving the organisation of dictionary information in the digital environment. The comments show mistrust in institutions involved in dictionary projects, which indicates that more effort should be put into promoting lexicographical projects and their benefit to society. If properly adapted, the proposed method could also be used for other languages, as a complement to the existing methods of lexicographical user research.