Redefining the dictionary - Erin McKean

TL;DR

Lexicographers strive to expand dictionaries beyond traditional constraints, embracing crowd-sourced word collection for a more inclusive language portrayal.

Transcript

now I have any of y'all ever looked up this word you know in a dictionary but yeah that's what I thought um how about this word you know I'll show it to you lexicography the practice of compiling dictionaries known as we're very specific that word compile the dictionary is not carved out of a piece of granite out of a lump of rock it's made up of l... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Lexicographers challenge the traditional role of dictionaries as mere enforcers of language norms.
• 👶 Crowd-sourced word collection and new technologies are reshaping the landscape of lexicography.
• 💨 The goal is to move away from artificial constraints and judgments on words.
• 🛄 Dictionaries should aim to be descriptive rather than prescriptive in capturing language.
• 🎨 Computers have modernized the process of compiling dictionaries but have not fundamentally altered their design.
• 😀 Online dictionaries face challenges in balancing searchability with serendipity.
• ❓ The English language is vast, requiring collaborative efforts to capture its nuances.

Questions & Answers

Q: How have lexicographers traditionally been perceived by the public?

Traditionally, lexicographers have been viewed as traffic cops of language, tasked with filtering good and bad words for inclusion in dictionaries. This binary perception limits the true nature of lexicographical work.

Q: How has the role of computers impacted lexicography?

While computers have accelerated the process of compiling dictionaries, they have not fundamentally altered the design or end result of dictionaries. The essence of lexicography remains rooted in Victorian design with modern propulsion.

Q: Why does the speaker advocate for a more inclusive approach to word collection?

By encouraging crowd-sourced word collection, lexicographers aim to capture the vastness of the English language and overcome the limitations of traditional dictionaries. This inclusive approach allows for a more accurate portrayal of language.

Q: How does the speaker envision the future of dictionaries?

The speaker envisions a future where dictionaries transcend traditional formats and become a comprehensive representation of the entire language. By embracing all words and meanings, dictionaries can evolve to meet the needs of modern communication.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Lexicographers challenge the traditional image of dictionaries, advocating for a more expansive and inclusive approach to language representation.

• Embracing crowd-sourced word collection and new technologies, lexicographers seek to capture the evolving nature of language more accurately.

• The goal is to move away from artificial constraints and judgments on words, allowing for a more descriptive and comprehensive view of language.