Deep Dive
What makes the Oxford English Dictionary different from other dictionaries?
The Oxford English Dictionary is a diachronic dictionary, providing the history and evolution of every word from its first recorded use to the present. It includes extensive quotations showing how words have been used over time, unlike synchronic dictionaries that offer a snapshot of language at a specific moment.
Why was the idea of creating a dictionary that traced the history of every word in the English language so radical?
The ambition of creating a dictionary that would document the history of every word in the English language was unprecedented in the 19th century. It required finding the first recorded use of each word and tracking its evolution, a daunting task without modern technology.
How did the Oxford English Dictionary manage to compile such a vast amount of data?
The OED used crowdsourcing, reaching out to people worldwide to read local books and send in quotations on slips of paper. This method allowed thousands of contributors, including women, those without formal education, and even patients in mental institutions, to participate in the creation of the dictionary.
Who were some of the unexpected contributors to the Oxford English Dictionary?
Many contributors were ordinary people, including women, self-taught individuals, and patients in mental institutions. Some of the top contributors were even individuals with criminal records, such as Dr. W.C. Minor, who sent in tens of thousands of slips while living in a psychiatric hospital.
How has the discovery of the address book changed the understanding of the OED's creation?
The address book revealed that over 3,000 people contributed to the OED, many of whom were not scholars or professionals but ordinary individuals who loved words. This discovery highlighted the diversity and eccentricity of the contributors, showing that the dictionary was created by a wide range of people from different backgrounds.
What role do online platforms like Urban Dictionary play in modern lexicography?
Urban Dictionary serves as a quick and accessible source for tracking new words and slang. It allows lexicographers to gauge when a word first appeared and how it is being used, though it lacks the curation and expertise of formal dictionaries like the OED.
How has the relationship between dictionaries and technology evolved?
Dictionaries are now being used by tech companies and AI language models to inform their systems. While print dictionaries are less prominent, the data they contain is increasingly valuable for digital applications, though the joy of the physical book still endures.
What does it mean for a word to be 'real'?
A word is considered real if it conveys meaning within a speech community, even if it hasn't yet been included in a dictionary. Dictionaries track and document words that are already in use, but the fact that a word isn't in a dictionary doesn't negate its reality or meaning.
Why did so many women contribute to the Oxford English Dictionary?
Many women contributed to the OED because it provided an opportunity to participate in a scholarly project, which was otherwise inaccessible to them due to limited educational opportunities for women in the 19th century. It allowed them to engage with a prestigious academic endeavor.
How does the Oxford English Dictionary decide which words to include?
Words are included in the OED if they can be verified through written evidence, showing their first use and subsequent evolution. The dictionary requires a traceable history of a word's usage in books, magazines, and other sources, including social media.
- The OED is the longest English dictionary in the world.
- Many of its creators were previously unknown.
- The contributors included hundreds of women and people from diverse backgrounds.
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