On an experience of making an idiomatic dictionary, its stylistic aspects and use in translation and interpreting

Abstract

This article studies an experience of making an English-to-Russian and Russian-to-English dictionary of set expressions implemented as an application for mobile devices. Here we elaborate on its basic ideas and requirements used in modern interpreting. Further, we provide key facts about the dictionary, its structure and organization, describe the compilation process including how we established criteria for choosing relevant language units, as well as highlight their analysis method with reference to different sources. Further, considering the stylistic gradation of target-language semantic analogues in relation to source-language units offered in the dictionary, we give a separate emphasis to difficulties experienced when determining the register of set phrases. Additionally, we cover a number of their aspects which may be taken into account to decide on a stylistic category. We identify typical features of some registers and suggest criteria for differentiating between set expressions in terms of their style. Our theoretical observations are accompanied by the comparison of English and Russian units specifying their similarities and differences that were noted when composing the dictionary. Its solutions are considered from the perspective of popular interpreting techniques with regard to set phrases: use of existing target-language analogues, literal translation, and conveyance of connotative equivalents. We also promote experimental approaches that intend to help translators in their work. In conclusion, we summarize the novelties of the dictionary, estimate its user-friendliness and applicability to the practical aspects of translation and interpreting, and make suppositions about its future potential.