Science of Arabic Lexicography: A Survey of Its Emergence and Evolution

Abstract

The roof of everything starts from the root, when the root is properly and effectively nurtured definitely the root spreads its sprout magnificently. On the other hand, the root is nowhere to be found if it is uncared for. The same thing happens with regards to Arabic lexicography which its pioneer, al-Khalil took a great pain in leaving a work on which other lexicographers brought a leaf. This paper attempts to examine the ways and manners through which the science of Arabic lexicography had started.  It begins with an introduction, a sketchy overview of the origin and the development of Arabic lexicography in the Arab world. Effort is made to review some methods adopted in the Arabic lexical works. This is followed by having a look at Arabic lexicography as it affects neighbouring areas and subsequently discuss on European lexicon.  Afterwards, the paper ends with a conclusion. The paper is based mainly on data and information collected from various scholars. Other materials were also obtained from private libraries to form the data base. The study revealed that there are three main types of lexicographical books: the dictionary, the general classified vocabulary, and the short specialized vocabulary. Arabs excelled in all the three. Arabic bilingual dictionaries were rare in the Arab world, the chief exception being al-Zamakhshari’s (d.538A.H./1144 A.D.) Arabic-Persian Dictionary.