[Lexicog] Using old dictionaries

[Richard Gravina]

I've had a couple of queries from people I'm advising about using previously published dictionaries. These concern African languages where there is a published work which is old but still in print. In both cases there are mother tongue speakers who wish to use the old dictionary as a basis for a new dictionary, which may also be published.

Firstly, what are the copyright issues? How much revision or enhancement is necessary for the new dictionary to be a different work?

Secondly, is this a good way of making a new dictionary? The older works may contain a fair number of inaccuracies or be based on a restricted set of texts. Would it be better to start from scratch?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Richard Gravina
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://listserv.linguistlist.org/pipermail/lexicography/attachments/20091216/4015e414/attachment.htm>