The cultural component in dictionaries

an analysis of lexicographic examples for Brazilian Spanish learners

Abstract

In this article, we propose to verify how the cultural component is treated in a sample of lexicographic examples selected from the entries of bilingual and semi-bilingual Portuguese-Spanish and monolingual dictionaries. We analyze how the statements can help the Brazilian student Spanish learner to understand the Spanish-speaking culture and if the examples offer stereotyped information. For such, we begin our reflections by resuming some changes that have occurred in the language teaching / learning processes, developing reflections on the concept of culture and on stereotypes. For the analysis, we selected five units and four dictionaries available in print and digital media and checked the cultural component in the examples. We note that some dictionaries have more general examples that do not include data on culture, others, in turn, have them in an evident way and with relevant information for the querent. Thus, we found that a large part of the selected lexicographic works serves as complementary materials for the cultural learning of Spanish students.