A different kind of dictionary – Collecting lexemes used in Austria together with citizens

Lexicography is an area that is not only attractive for experts but also for amateur lexicographers who create dictionaries of their regional dialect(s). To build a bridge between the previously independent dictionary endeavours of experts and self-taught persons in lexicography, the citizen science dictionary Wortgut invites language communities to collect the variety of linguistic expressions used in Austria according to lexicographical principles. Wortgut does not focus on dialect alone but covers the entire spectrum of standard to non-standard German language. Wortgut allows citizens to collect linguistic expressions for every area of life. However, the researchers do not moderate the entries. Although the lexemes as entered by the participants can be subject of studies on language perception and attitude, the non-intervention makes it difficult to integrate them into other professional dictionaries. Wortgut helps people interested in language to preserve their local dialects, regiolects or sociolects and make them accessible to others.