Mudra’s Upper Sorbian-Czech dictionary – what can be done about this lexicographic “posthumous child”?

Michal Škrabal

Abstract:

Jiří Mudra, a Czech doyen of Sorbian studies, among his numerous selfless activities, has been working for decades on the Upper Sorbian-Czech dictionary, not finishing his work, unfortunately. Presently, we are considering completing Mudra’s project. The material collected by Mudra is undoubtedly valuable for us, providing us a launchpad for further work; still, it is necessary to challenge it with the current data and modern lexicographic approach. The paper presents the individual methods to finish the torso of the dictionary.
Every lexicographer works with the data and tools available at his or her time – and Mudra was certainly no exception. There is, therefore, no reason to maintain exaggerated reverence towards his dataset where it is in apparent conflict with the current language reality. The aim is not to foster Mudra’s cult but to acknowledge his meritorious initiative and eagerness. The best way to do so is to complete his dictionary with all the possibilities currently offered to us and make it available – as the first academic dictionary in this language combination – to Czech users.