English Swahili Dictionary
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By: Willy Kirkeby
Not only is this the most comprehensive English-Swahili dictionary to date (about 60,000 entries) - it is also the first one to include phonetic transcription. It covers all major fields of interest. American pronunciation is shown in cases differing from standard British pronunciation. In addition the dictionary abounds in synonyms and suggested alternative translations. In other words, this is a book not only for looking up in, but also for learning from. Willy Kirkeby has taught at secondary schools in Norway, Germany and Tanzania, and has been compiling a comprehensive selection of dictionaries. These include English-Norewegian and Norwegian-English dictionaries in both comprehensive and smaller editions.
AI Overview
The "English-Swahili Dictionary" by Willy Kirkeby is a bilingual dictionary that offers a comprehensive collection of over 50,000 entries, making it one of the largest English-Swahili dictionaries available. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:
Key Themes
- User-Friendly Design: The dictionary is designed to be user-friendly, with entries arranged in a way that makes it easy to navigate and understand the information provided.
- Pronunciation Guide: It is the first English-Swahili dictionary to include a pronunciation guide for English words, which is a significant feature for learners of English.
- Lexicographical Approach: The dictionary aims to fill a lexicographical gap by providing detailed information on each entry, including meanings, synonyms, etymology, and usage labels.
Plot Summary
The dictionary does not have a narrative plot but rather serves as a reference tool for learners of both English and Swahili. It includes a wide range of entries, from general vocabulary to specialized terms, with an emphasis on providing clear and accurate information.
Critical Reception
The critical reception of the dictionary is mixed, with some positive and negative points highlighted:
Strengths:
- Quantity of Information: The dictionary offers a large number of entries, which is a significant strength.
- Pronunciation Guide: The inclusion of a pronunciation guide for English words is a notable feature.
- Typography: The dictionary's typography is also praised for its effectiveness in presenting information.
Weaknesses:
- Lack of Clear Objective: The compilers of the dictionary seem to lack a clear objective for its compilation, which affects its overall effectiveness.
- Quality of Information: The accuracy, completeness, and clarity of the information presented are areas that need improvement.
- Modernization: The dictionary's modernity is questioned, as it may not include current words and phrases that are commonly used in both languages.
Evaluation Criteria:
- The dictionary is evaluated using the criteria set by McMillan (1949), which include the quantity of information, the quality of information, and the effectiveness of the presentation.
Additional Context
- Compilation Process: The dictionary was compiled over two and a half years with the help of several assistants, a Swahili novelist, a teacher, and a Swahili expert who acted as a proofreader.
- Comparison with Other Dictionaries: It is compared with other dictionaries like TUKI and Sacleux's Swahili-French dictionary, highlighting its unique features and size.
Overall, while the "English-Swahili Dictionary" by Willy Kirkeby has several strengths, it also faces challenges in terms of its clarity and modernity. It remains a valuable resource for learners of both languages, particularly those seeking a comprehensive guide with a pronunciation guide for English words.