A Survey of Dictionary Criticism and its Fundamental Principles

Criticizing and evaluating dictionaries are as important as their production. A barrier against enhancing knowledge among the public and their skills in 5 Farhangnevisi 5 & 6 Summary of the Contents using dictionaries is the non-existence of a comprehensive and integrated theory for criticizing and evaluating dictionaries, which has its own negative impacts on the production of comprehensive, efficient, and user-friendly dictionaries. Put differently, there is currently no one to mediate between the user and the compiler of a dictionary other than the dictionary itself. This leaves a gap that must be filled by a dictionary critic who is, by definition, in possession of the competence and skills required for the task. The present paper tries to provide procedures and suggestions for developing an efficient, enlightening, and scientific framework for evaluating dictionaries.