Towards a specialised digital monolingual Igbo dictionary on crop cultivation

Abstract

The monolingual dictionary as an essential language compendium preserved culture specific ideas. In a technologically driven society where visual platform enhanced comprehension, monolingual dictionary presents careful and detailed information on the usage patterns of a given language. This promotes longevity of historic peculiarities for generational connect. Yet, there is a dearth of such dictionaries in the Igbo language. Therefore, this study sets to explore an e- monolingual dictionary model for the Igbo language on crop cultivation. Data were primarily sourced from field work whereas published literature and internet materials comprised the secondary sources of information. While the Function Theory of Lexicography was adopted for the pre-data compilation and presentation, the lexiquepro was used for the post compilation stage of the dictionary. This model avails researchers and learners the opportunity to globally access appropriate lexemes within the Igbo crop cultivation domain. Furthermore, Igbo children (at home and in diaspora) would have been provided with a visual platform to acquaint with specialised traditional Igbo farming practices, values and systems. Consequently, the longevity of the use of Igbo terms associated with traditional farming practices is revitalised among the younger ones. This study suggested that such platforms be provided for other areas of Igbo cultural practices such as pottery, health, blacksmithing, and performances to aid Translators, Terminologists and text writers appropriately convey their messages as well.