English-Chinese Dictionary, Volume 1

Author: Lu Gusu
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 1989-09-01
Features: The Comprehensive English-Chinese Dictionary (CECD) is a monumental bilingual dictionary resulting from the collective efforts of over a hundred scholars over a decade. It was the largest project within the National Plan for the Compilation and Publication of Bilingual Language Dictionaries of the People's Republic of China in 1975 and one of the key projects under the Seventh Five-Year Plan (1986-1990) for philosophy and social sciences. The CECD comprises two volumes, contains 200,000 entries, includes 14 appendices, and spans approximately 20 million words.
Guided by the principle of independent compilation rather than translation, the CECD built its own corpus of authentic materials, drawing upon the strengths of over 100 English dictionaries and other reference works from the UK and the US (see the main reference for details). It selectively utilized the cultural heritage accumulated by predecessors, reflecting the achievements and standards of English corpus construction and academic research in China.
The CECD aligns with the international trend since the 1960s that emphasizes objective description in lexicography. In its selection of words, definitions, examples, and etymological explanations, it focuses on objectively describing the actual usage of various types of English in different styles and contexts. It faithfully records the evolution of word meanings and forms over time, avoiding subjective judgments about their superiority or inferiority.
In addition to linguistic entries, the CECD pays attention to the inclusion of proper nouns such as names of people, places, and organizations, as well as historical events, myths and legends, religious schools, cultural groups, customs, entertainment genres, technical fields, product trademarks, and specialized terminology across natural and social sciences. It strives to incorporate as much encyclopedic information as possible, ensuring practicality at multiple levels while enhancing the stability and appeal of its content. In other words, it seeks to maintain academic rigor, practicality, knowledge, stability, and (engaging interest).
The CECD was compiled by scholars from multiple universities and cultural institutions, including Fudan University, Shanghai International Studies University, Shanghai Translation Publishing House, Shanghai Normal University, East China Normal University, East China Institute of Chemical Technology, Tongji University, and Shanghai Institute of Education. They collaborated with dedication and meticulous effort. We fully recognize that the compilation of bilingual dictionaries is a fundamental cultural undertaking, reflecting a nation's cultural strength and demanding no casual or perfunctory approach.
We also understand the immutable laws of lexicography: the Oxford English Dictionary (12 volumes) took over 70 years from conception to completion, even in the computer age, and its supplements required another 29 years to finish. Meanwhile, the Oxford English Dictionary, Second Edition (20 volumes), co-authored by scholars from the UK, the US, and Canada with the aid of computers, was published only 61 years after the first edition in spring 1989. The Webster's Dictionary in the US, since its first edition in 1828 by Noah Webster, has only seen three editions over more than a century and a half. These precedents demonstrate that independent compilation involving extensive research and integration of diverse materials is inherently complex, demanding significant intellectual investment and a long timeline—no shortcut exists.
With this understanding, we have conscientiously refined the dictionary through repeated deliberation, diligent effort, and meticulous craftsmanship, immersing ourselves in the details for years to exchange the sweat of scholars for enduring cultural benefits.