LEXICOGRAPHY: HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT AND PROBLEMS

Abstract

Lexicography, the discipline concerned with the compilation and study of dictionaries, plays a fundamental role in documenting and shaping language. This article examines the historical development of English lexicography, its methodological foundations, and the key challenges faced by modern lexicographers. Employing a descriptive-analytical approach, the paper explores both practical and theoretical dimensions of lexicography, including corpus-based methods and digital innovations. The findings demonstrate that while technological advancements have significantly improved accessibility and efficiency, issues such as linguistic variation, semantic complexity, and theoretical disagreements continue to pose challenges. The study highlights the evolving nature of lexicography and its continued relevance in contemporary linguistic and educational contexts.