| Abstrakt: |
ABSTRACT:Little research has been published on promotional (promo) dictionaries despite large numbers being issued over the years, especially in the US. They take many forms, but all are marketing tools meant to sell a particular product. What they promote does not always accord with the function of a dictionary; indeed, the disparity is often very marked. This article undertakes a preliminary survey, explaining the surprising range and nature of the products promoted as well as the characteristics of some of the dictionaries. We consider in particular the earlier examples, from about 1877–1927, though using promo dictionaries is by no means over, and they continue to be produced. The dictionaries discussed here are largely general lexicographical works, not specialist. |
