LEXICOGRAPHIC APPROACHES TO SEMANTIZATION IN BILINGUAL LEARNER’S DICTIONARIES

Abstract

Semantization, understood as the process of explicating lexical meaning in dictionaries, constitutes a central concern in bilingual learner’s lexicography. Unlike general dictionaries, learner-oriented bilingual dictionaries are expected to facilitate not only lexical comprehension but also accurate usage across linguistic and cultural boundaries. However, the effective semantization of lexical units remains problematic due to differences in semantic structure, cultural specificity, and pragmatic conventions between source and target languages. This article examines major lexicographic approaches to semantization in bilingual learner’s dictionaries, focusing on definition strategies, contextualization, equivalence selection, and the integration of pragmatic and cultural information. Drawing on descriptive and analytical perspectives, the study highlights recurring shortcomings in meaning explication, including overreliance on direct equivalents, insufficient contextual support, and limited attention to learner needs. The paper argues that successful semantization requires a multi-layered approach that combines semantic, pragmatic, and cultural dimensions in order to enhance learners’ comprehension and productive competence.