In:Lexical Variation and Knowledge Construction across Historical, Methodological, and Cultural Ecologies
Edited by Rossella Latorraca, Rita Calabrese, Jacqueline Aiello and Dirk Geeraerts
[Terminology and Lexicography Research and Practice 25] 2026
► pp. 123–141
Usage labelling in the Diccionario da Língua Portugueza by Morais Silva
A study of linguistic variation and knowledge construction
This content is being prepared for publication; it may be subject to changes.
Abstract
This chapter examines the role of usage labels in
Diccionario da Língua Portugueza by António de
Morais Silva, an eighteenth-century Portuguese dictionary first
published in 1789. It illustrates how these labels — covering
diachronic (temporal), diatopic (geographical), diastratic (social),
diaphasic (contextual), and diatechnical (specialised knowledge)
variations — helped to establish an organised approach to accessing
social, cultural, and linguistic knowledge. The study applies
contemporary metalexicographic frameworks to highlight Morais
Silva’s categorisation of linguistic information and his
representation of linguistic variation. The methodology involves a
close analysis of the types, positioning, and function of usage
labels, examining the challenges of encoding and consistency.
Furthermore, it addresses issues such as label inconsistency and
digital encoding, offering insights for future research on
historical dictionaries. The study emphasises the cultural
significance of usage labels and their role in the systematic
organisation of knowledge.
Article outline
- 1.Introduction
- 2.António de Morais Silva: Lexicographic legacy and digital transformation
- 2.1António de Morais Silva and the foundations of Portuguese lexicography
- 2.2The MORDigital project
- 2.3The role of usage labelling in lexicographic tradition
- 3.Methodology
- 4.Results
- 5.Conclusions
Notes References
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