Library and Information Science

The purpose of this article is to find the ways to make it possible to compile and publish a comprehensive dictionary. At present it is difficult to find a comprehensive Japanese language dictionary, especially that include rich vocabulary with pronunciation, etymological explanations, illustrative quotations, historical usage of words, etc. However, as it is of importance to trace the viewpoints of lexicographers as to the desirable nature of Japanese dictionary, it is tried to systematically arrange the expressed opinions, or methodologies, on the crucial points of compiling dictionaries. If a comprehensive dictionary is to take the historical principles like O.E.D., adequate and accurate quotations are indispensable. To grasp the present tendency, several well known dictionaries are compared with each other in this respect. As the writer firmly believe that the basis of good language dictionaries lies in the adequate indication of the usage of words, he tried to stress the importance of quotations in the light of the existing indexes and concordances. In conclusion, the writer emphasized the necessity of cooperational work based upon specialized research and of financial support, if possible, by government.