Corpus-based lexicography for lesser-resourced languages - maximizing the limited corpus

Abstract

This article focuses on lesser-resourced languages for which only very limited corpora are available and how such relatively small and often unbalanced, raw corpora could be maximally utilized for lexicographic purposes to obtain similar results as for bigger corpora. Sepedi and Afri-kaans will be studied in this regard. The aim is to determine to what extent enlarging a corpus from e.g. one to 10 million, and from 10 million to 100 million words enhances its potential for (a) macro-structure compilation, (b) sourcing information on the most important microstructural aspects and (c) the creation of lexicographic tools. It will be argued that valuable and even sufficient data for the compilation of a specific dictionary can be extracted from a relatively small corpus of approxi-mately one million words but that "bigger" in some instances indeed means "better".

Die fokus in hierdie artikel is op hulp-bronbeperkte tale waarvoor slegs baie beperkte korpusse beskikbaar is en hoe sodanige relatief klein en dikwels ongebalanseerde, rou korpusse maksimaal benut kan word vir leksikografiese doeleindes om soortgelyke resultate as van groter korpusse te verkry. Sepedi en Afrikaans, word in hierdie verband bestudeer. Die doel is om te bepaal tot watter mate die vergroting van 'n korpus van byvoorbeeld een na 10 miljoen, en van 10 miljoen na 100 miljoen woorde die potensiaal sal ver-hoog vir (a) makrostruktuur samestelling, (b) die inwin van inligting omtrent die belangrikste mikrostrukturele aspekte en (c) die ontwerp van leksikografiese hulpmiddels. Daar sal aangevoer word dat waardevolle en selfs voldoende data vir die samestelling van 'n spesifieke woordeboek onttrek kan word uit 'n relatief klein korpus van ongeveer een miljoen woorde maar dat "groter" wel in sekere omstandighede "beter" is.