Ortografía y norma lingüística en el diccionario1

A dictionary’s basic function is to provide the meaning for all of the words contained within it. However, in addition to this key role, dictionaries also serve as a model for linguistic correctness, especially with reference to spelling norms and, consequently, they afford users an important guide to current orthographic standards.

This chapter offers a series of reflections concerning a dictionary’s dual normative and semantic functions. First, we examine the extent to which linguistic norms should constitute part of lexicographic entries and then focus on the dictionary’s scope as a prescriptive reference tool that affirms and promotes a particular set of linguistic norms. Second, we debate the question of whether or not a dictionary should resolve any type of doubt that exists with respect to linguistic correctness, given the fact that other prescriptive tools, such as reference grammars, carry out the same prescriptive language function. We end this section with a reflection on the interdependence between language use and variation and how this interplay should be reflected in the formation of a set of ideal pan-Hispanic spelling norms.

The second part of the chapter deals with the normative role played by the Royal Spanish Academy in conjunction with the Association of Spanish Academies in determining the nature and spread of orthographic standards for the Spanish language.