description Ladislav Zgusta Overview
Ladislav Zgusta (1924–2007) was a Czech-American linguist and lexicographer who made significant contributions to the theory and practice of dictionary making. His 1971 work 'Manual of Lexicography,' published by Mouton, became a foundational text in the field and established systematic methodologies for dictionary compilation. After emigrating following the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968, Zgusta joined the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he founded and directed the Program in Lexicography.
help Ladislav Zgusta FAQ
What is Ladislav Zgusta's most famous book on dictionary making?
Ladislav Zgusta is best known for writing the "Manual of Lexicography," which was published in 1971 by Mouton. This text is universally recognized as one of the very first comprehensive textbooks guiding scholars on the methodology of compiling dictionaries.
Where did Ladislav Zgusta teach after leaving Czechoslovakia?
After emigrating from his native Czechoslovakia, Zgusta joined the faculty at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. There, he became a highly influential professor in the Departments of Linguistics and Classics.
Did Ladislav Zgusta work on dictionaries for any specific ancient languages?
Yes, beyond his theoretical work, he was a practical lexicographer who worked extensively on Old Iranian and Old Persian. He also led an international project to create a comprehensive dictionary of these ancient languages.
Why is Ladislav Zgusta's 1971 Manual of Lexicography so important?
His 1971 manual was groundbreaking because it established lexicography as a rigorous, independent academic discipline rather than just a practical clerical task. It provided the first systematic, global framework for how to plan, structure, and write dictionary entries.
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