Designing Internet Dictionaries

Abstract

The design of internet dictionaries roughly falls into two categories: built from the ground up and converted from print. Whereas the former often shows little influence from the hands of the lexicographer the latter proves that printed and electronic publishing require very different design solutions. Unfortunately, this has not yet been brought to the attention of the publishers. The article will try to explain this on the basis of a critical examination of two internet dictionaries, neither of which are overly convincing in their approach.