On Types and Functions of Dictionary Labels in the Russian and Foreign Lexicographical Practice

The article discusses the stages of lexicographical labels evolution in explanatory and special translation dictionaries with entry units in English and Russian. The paper also presents the results of the comparative analysis of the labels used in the Russian and foreign lexicographical practice. In addition, an example of two special translation dictionaries is presented to analyse the labels used by the authors. The work also substantiates a label system developed by the author basing on the generalized experience of the Russian and foreign scientists and taking into account the specifics of the described terminology and used to create the recently published “American-Focused Dictionary of Higher Education”.