LexicographerLexicographers are responsible for writing, compiling and editing dictionaries. They work on one of the following types:
- English language for native speakers;
- English for learners of the language;
- technical;
- translation.
English language lexicographers monitor and record uses of language and use databases to interrogate a wide range of evidence. They consider both the meaning and usages of words and compile definitions in a structured manner. Bilingual lexicographers translate words and expressions, rather than defining them.
Lexicographers edit, proofread and check the accuracy of their own and others' text. They also reassess existing entries and use their judgement to identify and consider possible new entries.
Typical work activities
The daily activities of all types of lexicographer typically include:
- checking and proofreading text;
- compiling new and reviewing existing definitions in strict accordance with previously agreed protocols;
- writing advertising copy about specific titles for use in catalogues and brochures.
Additional daily activities of an English language lexicographer include:
- using specialist databases comprising thousands of pieces of language from a wide range of sources (including literature, newspapers and transcripts of television and radio - this body of language is known as the 'corpus');
- checking the corpus for evidence of meanings and usages of a word or phrase;
- using judgement to assess which meaning of a word is the primary (most used) meaning, which meanings are secondary or less commonly used, and in which order;
- monitoring and recording changes in the use of words and phrases that have been noticed in the course of day-to-day life.
Additional daily tasks of a bilingual lexicographer include:
- translating words and expressions in both directions (eg, from English to French and from French to English);
- discussing and resolving problematic translations with native-speaking editors;
- writing grammatical and/or cultural supplements included in some editions of translation dictionaries.
Daily activities of a project manager role typically include:
- considering and deciding upon future projects;
- discussing and agreeing upon a framework, methodology and style of presentation for a new project;
- managing financial resources to ensure that a project is completed to a tight budget;
- managing the time and activities of the team working on a project to ensure that it is completed to a tight deadline;
- liaising with marketing staff to produce a marketing strategy for the publication.
Range of typical starting salaries: £15,000 - £18,000 for an assistant editor (salary data collected June 05).
Range of typical salaries at senior level/with experience: £19,500 - £26,000 for a senior editor and up to over £30,000 for a project manager (salary data collected June 05).
- As the profession is small, very few people are able to take senior positions.
- Lexicography, in common with other areas of publishing, is not a highly paid profession; many lexicographers do the work for the love of it.
- Hours are generally nine to five, especially for junior positions. However, people in more senior posts will work unpaid overtime as necessary to get a job done by its deadline. The work is almost exclusively office-based.
- It is possible to work part-time, although this may be difficult in a project management position.
- Freelance work is commonly possible, but usually only after working in the profession for a few years and having built up contacts.
- Gender balance is approximately 3/4:1 (female to male ratio).
- There is no specific dress code, but it is desirable to appear professional.
- Lexicography is a tiny profession. Consequently, in-house posts are restricted to the cities where dictionaries are published: Oxford, Glasgow, Edinburgh and London.
- Travel, either within the working day or overnight, is seldom, if ever necessary.
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