New German Words: Detection and Description
Jul 27, 2018 629 views 
In this paper, we discuss an efficient method of (semi-automatic) neologism detection for German and its application for the production of a dictionary of neologisms, focusing on the lexicographic process. By monitoring the language via editorial (print and online) media evaluation and interpreting the findings on the basis of lexicographic competence, many, but not all neologisms can be identified which qualify for inclusion in the Neologismenwörterbuch (2006-today) at the Institute for the German Language in Mannheim (IDS). In addition, an automated corpus linguistic method offers neologism candidates based on a systematic analysis of large amounts of text to lexicographers. We explain the principles of the corpus linguistic compilation of a list of candidates and show how lexicographers work with the results, combining them with their own findings in order to continuously enlarge this specialized online dictionary of new words in German.