Explication of Religious Terms in Ilustrowany słownik katechetyczny [Illustrated Catechetical Dictionary] by Beata Boguszewska

Abstract

The article discusses the microstructure of the Illustrated Catechetical Dictionary addressed to school children. The publication has been composed by Beata Boguszewska (Wydawnictwo JUT, Szczebrzeszyn 2018) and is among few such lexicons in Poland. As intended by its author, the dictionary, with its 336 entries, explains basic theological concepts, terms related to prayer, liturgy and sacraments, and complements the knowledge obtained through school catechetical instruction. The iconic code indicated in the lexicon title has an auxiliary character—Boguszewska’s dictionary features no “pure” iconographic definitions. The entries are generally devoid of linguistic information (occasionally there are simplified etymological explanations of the type: this word comes from language x (and) means…). The lexicon adopts a discursive model of concept explanation. Definitions (full-sentence, analytical, and devoid of unnecessary scientistic elements) are incorporated into narratives (short stories), which constitute entry paragraphs. The particular stories serve not only to explain the concepts, as in a regular dictionary (nominative and descriptive function), but they also provide a wider educational context for the believer (educational and formative function). The recipient of the work is clearly profiled as a (true) friend (of Lord) Jesus.