Compiling a corpus-based dictionary grammar: an example for northern Sotho

Abstract

In this article it is shown how a corpus-based dictionary grammar may be compiled — that is, a mini-grammar fully based on corpus data and specifically written for use in and inte-grated with a dictionary. Such an effort is, to the best of our knowledge, a world's first. We exem-plify our approach for a Northern Sotho mini-grammar, to be included into a Northern Sotho–English dictionary.

Keywords: lexicography, dictionary, corpus, frequency, middle matter, dictionary grammar, northern sotho (sesotho sa leboa)