'Unabridged' explores the history of the dictionary – and why it’s in trouble now
In this episode of NPR's Book of the Day, the history and future of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary comes into focus, from Noah Webster's 1828 creation of a distinctly American dictionary to the modern challenges of maintaining relevance in the digital age. The discussion explores how Webster's original work helped shape American identity by incorporating native words and terms that reflected the new nation's character.
The episode covers key developments in the dictionary's evolution, including Philip Gove's controversial third edition that introduced taboo words, and examines how the dictionary adapts to changing times. Through the experiences of lexicographer Stefan Fatsis, we see the complex process of adding new words to the dictionary, while learning how Merriam-Webster responds to competition from Google and AI by expanding into digital tools, games, and interactive content.
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The History and Evolution of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Noah Webster published "An American Dictionary of the English Language" in 1828, driven by his vision to create a dictionary that would help define American identity. His work included distinctly American words and terms borrowed from Native American cultures, reflecting the new nation's unique linguistic character.
Revolutionary Changes and Modern Adaptation
The dictionary underwent a significant transformation under Philip Gove's editorship of the third edition. Gove adopted a descriptive approach to language, boldly including previously taboo words like the "F-word" in a mainstream publication. In recent years, Merriam-Webster has evolved beyond traditional lexicography, expanding into games, apps, and newsletters to stay relevant in the digital age.
The Process of Defining New Words
Stefan Fatsis, during his time as a lexicographer in training at Merriam-Webster, discovered the complexity of dictionary work. While he successfully added words like "microaggression" and "safe space" to the dictionary, other terms like "fencing response" and "sportocrat" were rejected. His experience highlighted the political and controversial nature of word selection, as demonstrated by the tension between Gove's inclusive approach and the publisher's concern for propriety.
Technology's Impact on Dictionaries
The rise of the internet and AI has accelerated the adoption of new words and changed how people access definitions, with many turning to Google instead of traditional dictionaries. In response, Merriam-Webster has diversified its offerings to include digital tools and interactive content, adapting to maintain its relevance in an increasingly technological world.
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Counterarguments
- While Noah Webster's dictionary aimed to define American identity, it could be argued that his selection of words may have reflected his own biases and may not have fully captured the diverse linguistic character of the entire nation.
- The inclusion of distinctly American words and terms from Native American cultures was a significant step, but it might also be critiqued for potentially appropriating or misrepresenting Native American languages.
- Philip Gove's descriptive approach, while revolutionary, might be criticized for potentially legitimizing derogatory or harmful language by including it in the dictionary.
- The expansion of Merriam-Webster into digital realms like games, apps, and newsletters could be seen as diluting the scholarly focus of lexicography in favor of commercial interests.
- The process of defining new words is complex and controversial, but some might argue that the criteria for inclusion are not transparent or consistent enough.
- The political and social considerations in word selection could be criticized for either being too conservative and excluding relevant terms or for being too liberal and including terms that may not have stood the test of time.
- The shift towards digital tools and interactive content might be seen as neglecting the needs of those who prefer traditional, printed dictionaries or who may not have regular access to digital technology.
- The reliance on the internet and AI for word adoption and definition access could be critiqued for potentially reducing the depth of understanding that comes from the nuanced explanations found in traditional dictionaries.
Actionables
- You can explore the evolution of American English by creating a personal dictionary of words and phrases unique to your life and community. Start by jotting down terms you or people around you use that might not be widely recognized outside your region or social circle. This activity not only connects you to the linguistic diversity around you but also serves as a cultural snapshot of your personal environment.
- Enhance your digital communication by adopting new words from various online sources and integrating them into your daily vocabulary. Pay attention to emerging terms on social media, in online forums, or tech articles, and try using them in emails, texts, or online posts. This practice will help you stay linguistically current and may improve your ability to communicate with diverse age groups and cultures.
- Engage with language in a playful way by creating word-based games to play with friends or family. Invent a game where participants have to use a new or obscure word in a sentence, or challenge each other to tell stories that incorporate recent additions to the dictionary. This can make the process of learning new words fun and interactive, while also fostering a deeper appreciation for the dynamic nature of language.
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The History and Evolution of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary has a storied history, dating back to the early 19th century, reflecting the changing language and culture of America.
Noah Webster's Vision for an American Dictionary
Noah Webster started over with his dictionary and published his grand work, "An American Dictionary of the English Language," in 1828. He was deeply invested in the idea of an American identity and believed language was integral to defining who we are as a people and a nation.
Webster Created a Dictionary With American and Native American Words for American Identity
Webster's dictionary included distinctly American words such as "revolutionary" and "Americanize," showcasing the distinctiveness of American English at the time. In addition, he included words borrowed from Native American cultures, such as "maze," "canoe," and "snowshoe," to reflect the rich and diverse heritage of the nation. Webster wanted his dictionary to be a reflection of the new country’s vocabulary and linguistic spirit.
The Revolutionary Third Edition of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Years after Noah Webster's pioneering work, the Merriam-Webster dictionary continued to evolve, most notably in the revolutionary third edition.
Editor Philip Gove Adopted a Descriptive Approach, Defining Words Like the "F-Word" Over Prescriptive Usage
Philip Gove, editor of this influential edition, adopted a descriptive rather than prescriptive approach to language. This meant recording the language as it was actually used, even going so far as to define words that were considered vulgar or taboo, such as the "F-word," which had never been done in such a mainstream publication. This approach marked a significant shift from how dictionaries had traditionally approached defining the English lang ...
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The History and Evolution of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary
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Counterarguments
- While Noah Webster's dictionary was influential in shaping American English, it could be argued that it was just one of many factors contributing to the development of a distinct American identity, and that language is a complex and multifaceted aspect of culture not solely defined by a single dictionary.
- The inclusion of American and Native American words was significant, but it's important to recognize that Webster's choices in what to include or exclude may have reflected his own biases and may not have fully represented the breadth of American English, especially the vernacular of various communities.
- The shift to descriptive lexicography in the third edition of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary was groundbreaking, but it also raised questions about the role of dictionaries as authorities on language use and the balance between describing and guiding language.
- The diversification of Merriam-Webster's offerings to include games, apps, and newsl ...
Actionables
- You can explore the evolution of American English by creating a personal dictionary that includes words and phrases unique to your life and region. Start by jotting down colloquialisms, slang, and local terms you encounter daily, then research their origins and meanings. This activity not only connects you to the linguistic diversity around you but also serves as a cultural diary of your environment.
- Enhance your vocabulary by adopting a descriptive approach to learning new words. Whenever you come across a term that's unfamiliar, write it down, look up its usage in different contexts, and create sentences with it. This mirrors the descriptive lexicography method and helps you understand language as a living, evolving tool.
- Dive ...
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The Process and Challenges Of Defining New Words
Stefan Fatsis' journey into the intricate world of lexicography sheds light on the challenge of incorporating new words into a dictionary, proving that it takes more than sheer determination to get the evolving language officially recognized.
Stefan Fatsis' Experience as a Lexicographer in Training
Fatsis Found Getting His Words In the Dictionary Difficult
Fatsis convinced Merriam-Webster to let him write a book and join as a lexicographer in training. On day one, he was introduced to his editor, Steve Perrault, who set realistic expectations, emphasizing the difficulty of defining words in such a prestigious role. Fatsis quickly found out that creating definitions was a daunting task. He labored for days and weeks on tasks that seasoned professionals could have wrapped up much faster.
Challenges In Getting New Words Accepted
Fatsis Succeeded With "Microaggression" and "Safe Space," but "Fencing Response" and "Sportocrat" Were Rejected
Indeed, Fatsis managed to get some of his words, like "microaggression," "safe space," "dogpile," and "headbutt," into the dictionary. However, these successes didn’t come easily; it required patience for these words to gain enough traction to be considered. Not all his efforts bore fruit, such as with "fencing response," a significant scientific term related to concussions, and "sportocrat," which he used to describe powerful sports executives. Both words were ultimately ...
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The Process and Challenges Of Defining New Words
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Clarifications
- Stefan Fatsis is a journalist and author known for exploring language and sports. His experience is significant because he uniquely combined writing with hands-on lexicography, offering rare insight into dictionary-making. He documented the real challenges of defining and adding new words, which is usually a behind-the-scenes process. This makes his perspective valuable for understanding how language evolves officially.
- A lexicographer is a person who compiles, writes, and edits dictionaries. They research how words are used, their meanings, origins, and changes over time. A "lexicographer in training" is someone learning these skills under supervision before becoming a full lexicographer. This role involves studying language patterns and practicing definition writing.
- Merriam-Webster is one of the most respected and widely used dictionary publishers in the United States. It sets standards for English language usage and influences how words are understood and accepted. Its decisions on word inclusion reflect both linguistic trends and cultural considerations. Because of its authority, getting a word into Merriam-Webster can legitimize and popularize that word.
- "Microaggression" refers to subtle, often unintentional, discriminatory comments or actions toward marginalized groups. "Safe space" is a place where individuals can feel secure from discrimination or harm. "Dogpile" describes a situation where multiple people overwhelm or attack one person simultaneously. "Headbutt" is a physical strike using the forehead. "Fencing response" is an involuntary arm posture after a brain injury, indicating concussion. "Sportocrat" denotes a powerful executive or influential figure in the sports industry.
- Words gain traction for dictionary inclusion when they are widely used by many people over time in various contexts. Lexicographers track evidence of consistent usage in books, media, and everyday speech. Words that are fleeting, niche, or lack clear meaning often fail to meet these criteria. The process ensures dictionaries reflect language that is stable and broadly understood.
- A descriptivist approach to lexicography focuses on recording and describing how language is actually used by speakers, rather than prescribing rules about how it should be used. It accepts all words and usages, including slang, regional dialects, and offensive terms, as valid parts of the language. This approach contrasts with a prescriptivist approach, which aims to enforce standard language norms and often excludes controversial or nonstandard words. Descriptivism helps dictionaries reflect real-world language changes and diversity.
- Philip Gove was the editor-in-chief of Webster's Third New International Dictionary, published in 1961. He championed a descriptivist approach, documenting language as it is used rather than prescribing rules. His work sparked controversy for including slang, offensive words, and nonstandard usage. Gove ...
Counterarguments
- While Fatsis' experience highlights the difficulty of defining words, it's also true that with the advent of technology and collaborative platforms, the process can be more dynamic and less cumbersome than it was in the past.
- The success of getting words into the dictionary is not solely based on traction but also on rigorous criteria such as widespread usage, documented evidence, and longevity, which might not have been fully addressed in the text.
- The rejection of words like "fencing response" and "sportocrat" could be seen not as a failure but as part of the necessary quality control and gatekeeping that lexicographers must enforce to maintain the dictionary's credibility.
- The political and controversial nature of including new words is not unique to dictionaries; it is a reflection of broader societal debates about language and inclusion, and dictionaries must navigate these waters carefully.
- The descriptivist approach, while inclusive, may not always serve the practical needs of dictionary users who rely on the resource for clarity and guidance rather than a comprehensive record of all linguistic expre ...
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The Impact of Technology on the Dictionary Industry
"The book "Unabridged: The Thrill of and Threat to the Modern Dictionary" explores the future of the dictionary in the world of AI, implying the impact that technology like search engines and AI has on traditional dictionaries.
The Rise of Online and AI-powered Definitions
The advent of the internet and AI has increased the rate at which new words become widely used, sometimes overnight. This has forced dictionary publishers to adapt and become more open-minded about new terminology. Google has become a preferred method for people to look up words, bypassing traditional dictionary websites.
Merriam-Webster's Response to Technological Changes
Despite not having detailed explanati ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The Impact of Technology on the Dictionary Industry
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Lexicography is the practice and study of compiling dictionaries. It involves researching word meanings, usage, and origins to create accurate entries. Lexicographers analyze language trends to keep dictionaries current. This field combines linguistics, research, and editorial skills.
- AI and search engines provide instant, easily accessible definitions, reducing the need for physical or traditional dictionary use. They update language data in real-time, capturing new words and meanings faster than printed dictionaries. Traditional dictionaries have slower publication cycles, making them less current. This shift challenges their relevance and market demand.
- New words can spread rapidly through social media, news, and popular culture. Viral trends or events often introduce new terms that many people start using immediately. This quick adoption forces dictionaries to update their entries faster than before. Traditional publishing cycles are too slow to keep up with this rapid language change.
- Merriam-Webster's games and apps engage users interactively, making learning vocabulary fun and accessible on digital devices. Newsletters provide regular updates on new words and language trends, keeping users informed and connected. These tools increase user engagement beyond static dictionary entries, attracting a broader audience. This diversification helps Merriam-Webster remain relevant in a digital age dominated by instant online information.
- Google acts as a quick gateway to word meanings by displaying definitions directly in search results, often sourced from multiple dictionaries. This convenience reduces the need for users to visit specific dictionary websites. Traditional dictionary sites offer more detailed explanations, usage examples, and editorial insights. However, many users prefer Google's speed and simplicity for immediate word lookups.
- The book "Unabridged: The Thril ...
Counterarguments
- While technology has impacted traditional dictionaries, it could also be argued that it has provided new opportunities for growth and innovation within the industry.
- The rapid adoption of new words facilitated by the internet and AI might not always reflect a true linguistic change but could be a temporary trend or buzzword that does not warrant immediate inclusion in dictionaries.
- Some traditional dictionary publishers may choose to maintain a more conservative approach to new words, prioritizing historical usage and widespread acceptance over immediate inclusion, which can be seen as a strength rather than a weakness.
- Despite the convenience of search engines, traditional dictionary websites may offer more reliable, curated, and scholarly information about words, their usage, and etymology, which some users still value.
- Merriam-Webster's expansion into games, apps, ...
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