19th Annual Student Research Conference
Language & Literature
Lexicography's Obstacles: A Closer Look at an Old Spanish Translation of Fibonacci
Raymond G. Feilner, Jr.
Dr. Thomas M. Capuano, Faculty Mentor
Lexicography presents a unique array of obstacles to surmount, especially when generating cite slips from Aritmetica Practica (an Old Spanish translation of Fibonacci's Liber Abaci). These obstacles include rediscovering the meaning of previously undefined terms and determining new meanings of previously defined words. In order to better understand much of the unfamiliar vocabulary, one must reveal its mathematical methods, which is accomplished partly through the study of its historical context. Moreover, words do not always mean what one would normally expect. The historical context, the mathematical methods, and certain linguistic phenomena cumulatively resolve some of a text's lexicographic obstacles and leads to other conclusions. Specifically, Aritmetica Practica reveals hints of its origins through its Latin and Catalan influences. Furthermore, 13th century trade routes suggests the route by which translations of Liber Abaci may have been disseminated in medieval Spain.
Keywords: Spanish, Lexicography, Mathematics, Fibonacci, Aritmetica Practica, Dictionary, Cite Slips, Liber Abaci
Topic(s):Spanish
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 23-1
Location: OP 2111
Time: 9:45