The Hebrew-Portuguese dictionary by Rifka Berezin: a lexicographical and translation study

Abstract

This article examines, from the perspective of bilingual lexicography, the structural features of Dicionário Hebraico-Português by Rifka Berezin (2003), and analyzes the translation strategies applied to eleven of the most frequent lexemes in the Biblia Hebraica. The study adopts a qualitative, descriptive, and analytical approach, drawing on categories such as macrostructure, microstructure, megastructure, and translation equivalence, as outlined by García (2006), Porto Dapena (2002), Welker (2004, 2006), Atkins and Rundell (2008), and Zavaglia (2012). The analysis of these eleven entries shows that the dictionary reflects a mature and insightful undertaking, shaped by semantic-functional and pedagogical principles. Its alphabetical macrostructure facilitates access for non-specialist readers, while its microstructure balances conciseness with multiple translation options and metalinguistic glosses that reveal sensitivity to cultural and confessional context. Although examples are limited and grammatical markings kept to a minimum, these choices reflect lexicographic economy. The dictionary thus plays a significant mediating role between Hebrew and Portuguese and could gain further relevance through contemporary lexicographic practices that enhance its didactic and translational functions.