[Lexicog] Spelling variants vs. synonyms

[David Tuggy]

Spelling variants? Do you mean they aren't pronounced differently?

--David T

Andrew Dunbar wrote:
> Most dictionaries treat spelling variants differently to synonyms.
> Spelling variants
> are often included in the headword, the OED has a special Spellings section.
> Synonyms may have a cross-reference to a more common word rather than a full
> definition.
>
> Sometimes it turns out to be difficult to know where to draw the line. I am a
> contributor to the English Wiktionary and I'm currently travelling through
> Central America, collecting unusual Spanish words as I go. I'm particularly
> interested in foods and regionalisms.
>
> One word I've come across is a fruit called "pejibaye" which I saw in Costa
> Rica. I also saw it often in Panama but without a sign. When I bought a
> dictionary of Panamanianisms I found not this word but another entry, "pifa",
> says it is also known as "pisbao", "pixbae", "pejibayo", and "corolo". The RAE
> contains only "pejibaye" and "pijibay".
> http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/pejibaye.html lists a lot more.
>
> It seems clear that these should be considered spelling variants:
> pejibaye, pijibay, pejibayo
>
> And equally clear that these should be considered synonyms:
> pifa, corolo
>
> But these could go either way:
> pisbao, pixbae
>
> My question is this: what do you guys, the real lexicographers, do when you
> come across a situation like this?
>
> Andrew Dunbar (hippietrail)
>
>
>   


------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> 
Something is new at Yahoo! Groups.  Check out the enhanced email design.
http://us.click.yahoo.com/qTZcGA/gOaOAA/79vVAA/HKE4lB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~-> 

 
Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lexicographylist/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
    lexicographylist-unsubscribe at yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/