Functional Features of a Multimedia Dictionary of the Syrian Arabic Dialect

This article presents a model for a new type of multimedia dictionary of the Syrian dialect of Arabic. The lexicographic resource under development builds upon and modernizes the principles of Russian dialect lexicography while simultaneously integrating contemporary digital technologies. This integration enhances the possibilities for word semanticization and data representation. The object of this study is the functional features of the multimedia dictionary, while its subject encompasses the principles for selecting lexical units for the dictionary's wordlist and identifying the categories of its potential users, taking their needs into account. The aim of the work is to develop the concept and implement a practical multimedia dictionary for the Syrian dialect of Arabic that integrates text, audio, and video content into a unified information system. The research employs methods of thematic classification and systematization of linguistic material, used for organizing the lexical entries, alongside semantic and linguocultural analysis. The novelty of the study lies in the developed universal model for a dialect-specific multimedia dictionary of Arabic, based on the Syrian dialect. The study demonstrates that the creation of this new type of dictionary represents a significant step in the development of digital linguistics and lexicography as a whole, serving as a tool for documenting and studying Arabic dialectal diversity. The development of such resources addresses key challenges in modern lexicography, such as enabling the dynamic updating of dictionary entries and providing users with comprehensive information on the dialect's lexicon, pronunciation, and contextual word usage. Furthermore, it conveys extralinguistic data through the inclusion of media files (audio, video, and illustrations). By serving as a synchronic snapshot, the dictionary establishes a valuable foundation for future diachronic research.

lexicography, dictionary entry, Arabic language, dialectology, semanticization, Syrian dialect, multimedia dictionary, semantic analysis, cultural analysis, polycode text