The lexicographer is a professional who writes or compiles dictionaries, lists, lexicons, encyclopaedias etc. With the turning of the world in a global village and opening up of international borders for immigration, there is a great movement of people from one part of the world to another thereby increasing the importance of these special books. The greater demand of these books has increased the importance of these professional all over the world especially in non-English speaking parts.
English is considered as an international language thus increasing the demand for professionals who are apt in English and some of other highly spoken languages like Hindi, Chinese, and French to name a few. On the more commercial side, the market for English language dictionaries is vast. Bilingual dictionaries require lexicographers with skills in both languages and preferably a translation background. For educational dictionaries such as Macmillan, the classroom experience is useful.
The career of a lexicographer is interesting and challenging for those who love to have the adventure with words of various languages. Although the career as a lexicographer has gained popularity in the recent past it is not new as a profession. The career of a lexicographer is not only full of challenges and thrills but also required a great deal of hard work.
One who is going to choose this as a career is certainly a challenger. The profession of a lexicographer is full of responsibility as he is the person whose work is going to be used by millions of people for the sake of their perfection. Usually, they are supposed to be highly educated and respected in society for their work. Because of the increasing use of these special books requirement for properly trained lexicographer is increasing on an everyday basis.
Lexicographer Eligibility
Educational Qualification
A graduate degree in relevant subjects with the at least first division is the primary requirement for doing a Master’s degree courses offered by certain institutes across the Country
Lexicographer Required Skills
- Lexicographers should have an excellent command of English, and for bilingual lexicographers, a strong working knowledge of the relevant foreign language, along with an awareness of and sensitivity to the problems of translation; a practical understanding of the mechanics of grammar and the ability to use grammar correctly and identify instances of incorrect usage.
- They should have the ability to describe a complex thing in a few words, and for English language lexicographers, the ability to recognise subtle differences between meanings, an appreciation of how English is used in other English-speaking countries and an appreciation of the difficulties of learning English.
- They also possess an excellent eye for detail, both for spotting errors and for identifying inconsistencies of presentation style.
- They also have the ability to learn and work within the publisher's house style; team working and communication skills - although you need to be able to concentrate and work well on your own, lexicography is an essentially collaborative process, and you exchange ideas and discuss problems continually with other editors, both formally and informally.
How to be a Lexicographer?
To become a lexicographer one has to follow the given steps:
Step 1
For becoming a lexicographer one has to join Master degree course in English or any other language of concern. Most famed lexicographers have pursued advanced degrees, even earning doctorates along with diploma in a translation of various languages. Not only does an advance education give one added knowledge and experience, but it gives more flexibility with the usage of the words.
Step 2
After completing the course one can join publishing houses which is the quickest way to gain work experience required the most.
Step 3
After getting relevant qualifications and on job experience one can also go for his own publications.
Lexicographer Job Description
Some of the duties of the lexicographer are mentioned below:
- They check and proofread the text.
- They also compile new and review the existing definitions in strict accordance with previously agreed protocols.
- They write advertising copy about specific titles for use in catalogues and brochures.
- They identify the new words that are in common usage for inclusion in the dictionary.
Lexicographer Career Prospects
Lexicographer can find work with ever-increasing Publishing Houses.
Lexicographer Salary
To start with a lexicographer can expect between Rs.20,000 to Rs.25,000 a month if they have joined some publication house that can increase with the time and experience whereas there is no limit for those who are operating on their own.
