TS 10222

TS 10222 is a standard on dictionaries and provides a general framework for all kinds of dictionaries. In practical terms, this means it helps establish a common conceptual basis for how dictionaries are understood as reference works, especially in relation to their compilation, organization, and presentation of lexical information.

How dictionaries work as reference tools

Dictionaries record and explain the vocabulary of a language, usually by giving definitions, equivalents, spelling information, usage notes, and examples. From a general technical perspective, the way headwords are selected, senses are separated, examples are given, and variant forms are handled determines how useful and consistent a dictionary will be. Because this standard covers all kinds of dictionaries, it applies conceptually to monolingual, bilingual, multilingual, and terminology-oriented dictionaries as reference publications.

What this scope means in practice

• The standard treats dictionaries as a publication type, distinct from encyclopedias, catalogs, or other reference sources.
• Dictionaries are important for language learning, translation, editorial work, and terminology management because they combine meaning and usage information.
• The main value of a standard of this kind is to support shared terminology and a consistent understanding of what counts as a dictionary.