The Role of Dictionaries in Standardizing Language

Abstract

Being one of the world’s languages, Kurdish language consists of several dialects, there is a reason and factor behind having each of these dialects such as political geography which is one of the most influential factors behind forming such dialects and accents. Because it has been a long time since such divisions over Kurdish language, it is not an easy task to make and create one language out of them. Rather, it is better to unify such differences under one of these dialects. This is done through introducing one of the dialects as the official language. And if we could not do this, we refer to other means that can help us in unifying the dialects of a language. As a result, the standard language will be created, which is the dictionary discussed in this research and highlighted its critical role especially the Encyclopedic dictionary. Because dictionary in general, and encyclopedic dictionary in particular is considered as a means of collecting and protecting the words of a language without distinction. It can also lead to form a standard language for a nation like Kurds; this can be achieved by the professionals’ participation in this field.

In this study, a framework is being proposed to develop a standard language that can become a formal and standard language for all four parts of Kurdistan considering the characteristics of the dialects of each part. 

This study further discusses dictionaries in general and encyclopedic dictionaries in particular in which we can protect our language’s vocabularies and form such language that all the four parts of Kurdistan can use in writing and use it in education process. In this research, all these details have been discussed that are necessary to form a standard language and for the dictionary as well which is the basis of forming the encyclopedic dictionary and is equal to forming the standard language.