The role of semantic fields in contemporary Icelandic dictionaries

This paper accounts for a system of semantic fields that was developed in Iceland around the turn of the century. The purpose of the system was to help describe the semantic properties of the Icelandic vocabulary and to be a practical tool in lexicographic work. The system categorizes words into semantic fields, enabling nuanced organization and practical applications in monolingual and bilingual dictionaries. The article details the system’s origins, structure, and implementation, including its role in producing specialized glossaries and enhancing dictionary editing efficiency. While the system has proven valuable, some inconsistencies in classification and level of detail are noted, suggesting areas for improvement. Lastly closing observations are presented.