In the relationship between a lexicon and a dictionary, "Al-Ain" dictionary as a sample

Abstract

Lexicology today branches into two main subfields in the study of vocabulary: lexicography, which concerns itself with the word as a linguistic unit within the language system, studying its aspects of signifier and signified; and lexicology or lexicographic production, which deals with vocabulary as organized units within a dictionary, treating them in the light of both the "collection" and "arrangement" approaches. Today, linguistics is deeply engaged in studying linguistic vocabulary in depth, focusing on both its signifier and signified aspects, with the aim of establishing a comprehensive lexicological theory. In pursuit of this goal, it is imperative to refine the relationship between the lexicon and the dictionary, so that the dictionary becomes an extension and embodiment of the lexicon. In this research, we sought to elucidate the close relationship between the dictionary and the lexicon, focusing on the model of "Al-Ain" lexicon by Al-Khalil ibn Ahmad Al-Farahidi, which is considered the first initiative in Arabic lexicography. This research has revealed to us that the "Al-Ain" lexicon was actually based on a genuine lexicological theory, in which Al-Khalil solidified the relationship between the lexicon and the dictionary. His lexicon emerged as an embodiment and extension of the Arabic language lexicon.