The
Central Institute of Indian Languages was set up on the 17th July, 1969 with a
view to assisting and coordinating the development of Indian languages. The Institute
was charged with the responsibility of serving as a nucleus to bring together
all the research and literary out-put from the various linguistic streams to a
common head and narrowing the gap between basic research and developmental research
in the fields of languages and linguistics in India.
The
Institute and its five Regional Language Centres are thus engaged in research
and teaching which lead to the publication of materials designed for teaching/learning
at different levels and suited to specific needs is one of the major areas of
interest of the Institute. Basic research relating to the acquisition of language
and study of language in its manifold psycho-social relations constitutes another
broad range of interest. The publishcaiton include materials produced by the members
of the staff of the Central Institute of Indian Languages and its Regional Language
Centres and associated scholars from universities and institutions, both Indian
for foreign.
The
art of dictionary making has a long tradition in India. Many of the oldest dictionaries
were composed in verses so that people could memorise. Specialised dictionaries
of synonyms and syllabic words, of plants and diseases have been prepared. Dictionary
has always been considered as providing the norm for language use. The common
man considers the dictionary omniscient and seeks answers to all questions from
it.
In
multilingual countries dictionaries are building blocks of bridges of understanding.
Bi-and multilingual dictionaries provide opportunities for learning one another's
language and culture and also contribute towards mutual borrowings leading to
the establishment of linguistic and cultural universals.
Although
dictionaries ranging subjects and interested areas involving many languages have
been prepared in India during the recent past, few discussions about the theory
and practice of dictionary making have been attempted. The Central Institute of
Indian Languages has been working in this area for some time. I am happy that
my colleague Dr. R.A. Singh who has been trained in the techniques of dictionary
making in the West as well as in the Soviet Union and has participated in dictionary
making in this country has come out with An Introduction to Lexicography. If it
is found helpful by those practising dictionary making our efforts would be deemed
to have been successful.
D.P. PATTANAYAK