Abstract
This research study is focused on the analysis of the outer text of the IsiNdebele/English Bilingual Dictionary (2006), with the objective of developing it and providing its target users with guidelines and an effortless approach to finding, accessing and retrieving the inside information, as well as ensuring that its goal of optimal use is attained.
A qualitative research methodology was adopted in the analysis of the outer text of the IsiNdebele/English Bilingual Dictionary (2006). Furthermore, the interpretative paradigm, a data collection method and text analysis were used to analyse the outer text of this dictionary.
In this research study, it was discovered that information in the outer text of the IsiNdebele/English Bilingual Dictionary (2006) was not assisting its target users enough in finding, accessing and retrieving the information in this dictionary. This was as a result of missing information in regard to certain elements of the outer text, with some information being incorrect and others not being provided in both languages used in this dictionary, namely isiNdebele and English.
Suggestions are made regarding the challenges found during the analysis of the outer text of the IsiNdebele/English Bilingual Dictionary (2006), namely the insertion of a table of contents, as well as providing the correct information regarding superscripts and abbreviations, especially where English is the source language.
It is recommended that the outer text of the IsiNdebele/English Bilingual Dictionary (2006) be reviewed so that it can provide its target users with the information required to use this dictionary effortlessly, as well as enhancing its quality.
Key terms: Outer text, bilingual dictionary, lexicography, isiNdebele, lexicographers, lemma, target users, source language, target language and retrieving.