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You Down With OED? | STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW

By iHeartPodcasts

Dive into the extraordinary saga of one of the greatest literary feats in history with the "Stuff You Should Know" podcast, as hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant are joined by contributor Allison Miller to explore the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). "You Down With OED?" goes beyond definitions, unfolding the OED's prestigious legacy as a historical record that narratively spans the full breadth of the English language, its origins reaching as far back as 1150 CE. The episode elegantly traverses the rich historical lineage of English lexicography and honors the visionary efforts of those such as Richard Chenevix Trench and the Philological Society, who laid the groundwork for this unparalleled dictionary.

The narrative takes an intriguing turn into the digital era, demonstrating the OED's evolution from weighty volumes to an expansive online resource that continually embraces new words in our fast-moving digital world. Highlighting the tireless volunteerism that underpins its inception, the podcast sheds light on notable contributors including women like Eleanor Marx and Marganita Lasky, and delves into the remarkable life of Dr. William Chester Minor, whose dual narrative of tragedy and scholarly contribution underscores the profound human stories behind the OED's creation. As Clark and Bryant tackle listener queries and recognize the value audience participation adds to their discussions, they enliven the podcast with a sense of community and contemporary relevance, making "Stuff You Should Know" an insightful celebration of language, humanity, and the enduring spirit of intellectual curiosity.

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You Down With OED? | STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW

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You Down With OED? | STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW

1-Page Summary

The Legacy and Evolution of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED)

Understanding the OED: More than a Dictionary

The "Stuff You Should Know" podcast episode "You Down With OED?" delves into the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), celebrated as much more than a mere compendium of definitions. Hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant, with new contributor Allison Miller, discuss its profound role as a historical document chronicling the journey of the English language from 1150 CE to modern times.

The Rich Historical Tapestry of English Lexicography

The OED traces its roots to lexicographic pioneers, such as Robert Cawdry and the Brothers Grimm, reflecting centuries of linguistic evolution. The Philological Society in London, with visionaries like Richard Chenevix Trench, aimed to create a comprehensive record of the English language, setting the groundwork for the OED.

Digital Revolution and the OED's Third Edition

From the Printing Press to the Digital Age: The OED's Transformation

As times changed, so did the OED, transitioning from a tangible collection of tomes to a digital platform, awaiting the release of its third edition. This shift reflects its adaptation to the ever-changing landscape of language and technology.

The Ever-Expanding Lexical Universe: Language in the Digital Era

The episode also highlights the OED's expansion, incorporating new terms like 'Porch Pirate,' demonstrating its commitment to language inclusivity and relevance in today's digital era.

The People Behind the OED

A Tradition of Volunteerism and Women's Contributions

Integral to the OED's inception was the tireless dedication of Herbert Coleridge, and subsequent volunteers, including noteworthy women like Eleanor Marx and Marganita Lasky, who helped shape its rich content.

Challenges and Triumphs: Key Figures in the OED's Journey

The story of the OED is rife with challenges and triumphs, marked by influential figures such as James Murray, who spearheaded the resuscitation of the project following the death of Samuel Coleridge, and Dr. William Chester Minor, whose story is particularly poignant and complex.

Dr. William Chester Minor: A Story of Tragedy and Triumph

The Life of Dr. Minor: Between Genius and Madness

Minor's contributions to the OED were monumental, despite his personal battles with mental health, culminating in a horrific crime and subsequently a long-term institutionalization. Nonetheless, his work remained an essential part of the OED's legacy.

Contributions to the OED: A Legacy Beyond Circumstances

Minor's story, detailed in "The Professor and the Madman," exemplifies how adversity and scholarly achievement can coexist. His unique methodology and thoroughness added invaluable content to the OED, reflecting the human element in this scholarly pursuit.

Engaging the Curious Mind: Podcast Dynamics

From Listener Queries to Economic Theories: Broadening the Conversation

The podcast isn't just about the past; it embraces current topics such as "Baumol's cost disease," brought up during a listener mail segment, demonstrating the program's range in addressing both historical and contemporary discussions.

The Role of Community: Valuing Listener Contributions

Hosts Clark and Bryant value their audience, encouraging interaction and recognizing the expertise their listeners bring to the dialogue, further enriching the content of their podcast.

Conclusion: The Human Element in Linguistic Endeavors

The Interplay of History, Humanity, and Language Preservation

As the episode concludes, it not only celebrates the magnitude of the OED's contributions but also the intricate human stories that have woven together to form this unparalleled linguistic record, truly a tapestry of the English language.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Philological Society in London played a crucial role in the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). Visionaries like Richard Chenevix Trench were part of the society and aimed to compile a comprehensive record of the English language. Their efforts laid the groundwork for the OED's development and its mission to document the evolution of the English language over centuries.
  • The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) transitioned from being a printed collection of books to a digital platform for its third edition. This shift allowed the OED to adapt to the changing landscape of language and technology. The digital format made the dictionary more accessible and easier to update compared to the traditional printed volumes. This transformation reflected the OED's commitment to staying relevant and inclusive in the modern era.
  • Dr. William Chester Minor was a significant contributor to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) despite facing mental health challenges. His meticulous work and dedication added valuable content to the OED, showcasing how his scholarly achievements coexisted with personal struggles. Minor's story, detailed in the book "The Professor and the Madman," highlights the complexities of his life and the lasting impact of his contributions to the OED.
  • The "Stuff You Should Know" podcast is an educational podcast hosted by Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant. They cover a wide range of topics, from historical events to scientific concepts, in an engaging and conversational style. The hosts often encourage listener interaction through mail segments and value the expertise and contributions of their audience. The podcast aims to broaden the conversation by exploring both historical subjects and contemporary issues, making complex topics accessible and interesting to a wide audience.
  • Baumol's cost disease is an economic theory that explains how wages increase in labor-intensive industries without a corresponding increase in productivity. This phenomenon occurs because some sectors, like healthcare and education, rely heavily on human labor, which is less susceptible to productivity gains compared to sectors with technological advancements. As wages rise in more productive sectors, industries facing the cost disease struggle to compete for labor, leading to cost increases without efficiency improvements. This theory has implications for understanding economic growth, income inequality, and public policy decisions.

Counterarguments

  • The OED, while comprehensive, may not capture the full diversity of English as it is spoken globally, potentially overlooking regional dialects and vernaculars.
  • The historical focus on figures like Robert Cawdry and the Brothers Grimm may overshadow contributions from other cultures and languages that have influenced English.
  • The Philological Society's groundwork for the OED, while pioneering, may have been influenced by the prescriptive attitudes of its time, which could affect the dictionary's inclusivity of language use.
  • The transition of the OED to a digital platform, though innovative, may present accessibility issues for individuals without reliable internet access or technological proficiency.
  • The inclusion of new terms like 'Porch Pirate' in the OED could be seen as prioritizing novelty or popular culture at the expense of more enduring lexical items.
  • The narrative of volunteerism and contributions by individuals such as Eleanor Marx and Marganita Lasky might downplay the need for professional lexicographers and the importance of systematic methodology in dictionary compilation.
  • The focus on key figures like James Murray and Dr. William Chester Minor may romanticize their contributions and overlook the collective effort of many unnamed individuals in the OED's development.
  • The story of Dr. William Chester Minor, while poignant, might inadvertently glamorize the link between genius and madness, which could perpetuate stereotypes about mental illness.
  • The podcast's engagement with contemporary topics like "Baumol's cost disease" may sometimes lead to discussions that are tangential to the main subject of language and lexicography.
  • The emphasis on listener contributions in the podcast could result in a less structured or scholarly approach to topics, potentially affecting the depth of discussion.
  • The portrayal of the OED as a tapestry of the English language may imply a completeness that no single resource can truly achieve, given the constant evolution of language.

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You Down With OED? | STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW

The Legacy and Evolution of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED)

Understanding the OED: More than a Dictionary

The "Stuff You Should Know" podcast episode "You Down With OED?" introduces new contributor Allison Miller, whose work on the Oxford English Dictionary provides a unique perspective. Hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant, with Miller's expertise as a historian and researcher, explore the OED's role as a comprehensive historical document that registers the English language's evolution from 1150 CE to the present.

The Rich Historical Tapestry of English Lexicography

James Murray's exceptional linguistic ability from a young age propelled him from his small-town origins to become a pivotal fig ...

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The Legacy and Evolution of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED)

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is significant as a historical document because it traces the development of the English language over centuries, capturing the meanings and usage of words from their earliest known appearances. It provides insights into the cultural, social, and technological changes that have influenced language evolution. By documenting the origins and changes in word meanings, the OED offers a window into the past, reflecting the growth and transformation of English vocabulary over time. Scholars and researchers use the OED to study linguistic trends, track the adoption of new words, and understand the historical contexts in which language has evolved.
  • James Murray played a crucial role in the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) as its primary editor. He was responsible for overseeing the compilation of the dictionary, managing a team of volunteer readers, and coordinating the collection of quotations to illustrate word usage over time. Murray's dedication and linguistic expertise were instrumental in shaping the OED into the comprehensive historical document it is known as today.
  • James Murray, a key figure in the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary, faced feelings of alienation at Oxford due to his humble background and lack of formal education. Despite his remarkable linguistic skills, he encountered challenges fitting into the academic environment at Oxford University. This sense of isolation was compounded by the delayed recognition ...

Counterarguments

  • While Allison Miller's contributions to the OED are highlighted, it's important to recognize that the OED is the result of the collective effort of many contributors and editors over time, not just the work of a single individual.
  • The OED, although comprehensive, may not capture every nuance and regional variation of the English language, as it is impossible for any single document to fully encapsulate a language that is constantly evolving and used across diverse communities worldwide.
  • James Murray was indeed a key figure in the creation of the OED, but it's worth noting that the project was a massive collaborative effort involving numerous editors, volunteers, and readers who contributed to the dictionary's compilation.
  • The narrative of Murray's alienation at Oxford could be nuanced by considering the broader historical context of academia at the time and the nature of recognition in scholarly circles, which often comes later in one's career.
  • The recognition of Murray's work with a ...

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You Down With OED? | STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW

Digital Revolution and the OED's Third Edition

From the Printing Press to the Digital Age: The OED's Transformation

Transitioning over time, the OED has evolved from its costly first edition, accessible mainly to the wealthy and significant institutions due to its high price point at the time, a price which when translated into today's money, reflects its historical value.

The dictionary now exists in the digital space, illustrating its adaptation to new technology and how it continues to embrace an evolving linguistic landscape.

The Ever-Expanding Lexical Universe: Language in the Digital Era

Highlighting its unmatched historical scope, the OED meticulously documents the English lexicon starting from the year 1150 CE. In a playful aside, the hosts Josh and Chuck speculate on what migh ...

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Digital Revolution and the OED's Third Edition

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has transitioned from a costly print edition to a digital format, making it more accessible. It documents the English language's history from 1150 CE and regularly incorporates new words to stay current. The OED's evolution reflects its adaptability to changing technology and linguistic trends. Supplementary volumes like the addition of terms such as 'Porch Pirate' demonstrate the OED's commitment to capturing the evolving nature of language.
  • The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) transitioned from a costly print edition to a digital format to increase accessibility. This shift allowed the OED to adapt to new technology and cater to a wider audience beyond the wealthy and institutions. By going digital, the OED can easily update its content, integrate new terms, and reflect the evolving nature of language. This transformation showcases the OED's commitment to embracing modern advancements and ensuring its continued relevance in an ever-changing linguistic landscape.
  • The high price point of the OED's first edition reflected the extensive research and labor involved in compiling the dictionary. It limited access primarily to affluent individuals and institutions. This exclusivity contributed to the perception of the OED as a prestigious and valuable resource. Over time, advancements in technology have made the OED more accessible to a wider audience.
  • The OED, or Oxford English Dictionary, meticulously documents the English lexicon by tracing the history and evolution of words from 1150 CE onwards. This extensive documentation provides a comprehensive record of how the English language has developed over centuries. By cataloging words, their meanings, and usage over time, the OED offers valuable insigh ...

Counterarguments

  • The OED's first edition, while costly, was also a monumental scholarly effort, and the high price may have been justified to recoup the investment in its compilation.
  • Transitioning to digital format, while expanding accessibility, may also lead to concerns about digital preservation and the longevity of the digital medium compared to print.
  • The historical value of the OED is not solely reflected in its price point but also in its comprehensive documentation of the English language and its scholarly contributions.
  • Embracing new technology is crucial, but there are challenges in ensuring the digital platform remains user-friendly and accessible to all, including those with disabilities or limited internet access.
  • Documenting the English lexicon from 1150 CE is an impressive feat, but there may be gaps in the historical record, and some dialects or regional uses may be underrepresented.
  • Speculation on the first and last entries of the OED might be an interesting thought experiment, but it does not necessarily contribute t ...

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You Down With OED? | STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW

The People Behind the OED

A Tradition of Volunteerism and Women's Contributions

Integral to the OED's inception was the tireless dedication of Herbert Coleridge, who served as the first editor. Sarah Ogilvy's book "The Dictionary People" gives us a window into the extensive involvement of volunteers, including women like Murray's own family and Eleanor Marx, in the dictionary's compilation.

Marganita Lasky's notable role, contributing thousands of quotations for later supplements, helped diversify the literary sources of the dictionary. The early processes Coleridge oversaw included community engagement, with volunteers poring over significant works of English literature to identify notable usages of words.

Coleridge's passion for the dictionary persisted up to his final days, evidenced by the disarray of definition slips found on his deathbed, along with his desire to study Sanskrit.

Challenges and Triumphs: Key Figures in the OED's Journey

The story of the OED is rife with challenges and triumphs, notably during its conception. The Philological Society in London was founded in 1842 to document the full spectrum of the English language from the year 1150. They began this mammoth task without the certainty of a ...

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The People Behind the OED

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Herbert Coleridge served as the first editor of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), overseeing its early development and laying the groundwork for its structure. He was instrumental in initiating the project and establishing the initial processes for compiling the dictionary. Coleridge's dedication to the OED was evident in his ongoing passion for the project until his final days, as seen in his commitment to studying languages like Sanskrit.
  • Marganita Lasky made significant contributions to the Oxford English Dictionary by providing thousands of quotations for later supplements. These quotations helped broaden the range of literary sources used in the dictionary. Lasky's efforts played a crucial role in enriching the content and depth of the OED.
  • Volunteers poring over significant works of English literature involved individuals meticulously examining important literary texts to identify and document how words were used in various contexts. This process aimed to gather examples of word usage to illustrate the meanings and nuances of words for inclusion in the dictionary. Volunteers played a crucial role in this meticulous task, contributing to the comprehensive coverage of the English language in the dictionary. Their efforts helped enrich the dictionary with diverse and authentic examples of word usage from a wide range of literary sources.
  • The challenges in the OED's journey included the initial uncertainty of finding a publisher, the vast task of documenting the English language's history, and the need to include all aspects of language, even slang and offensive terms. The triumphs involved the dedication of key figures like James Murray, who pushed for the comprehensive representation of English and successfully managed the editorial efforts despite various obstacles.
  • The Philological Society was established in London in 1842 with the aim of documenting the English language's historical development and variations. It was founded by a group of scholars and language enthusiasts who sought to comprehensively study an ...

Counterarguments

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You Down With OED? | STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW

Dr. William Chester Minor: A Story of Tragedy and Triumph

The Life of Dr. Minor: Between Genius and Madness

Minor's significant contributions to the OED are underscored by his tumultuous personal history. After graduating from Yale and serving as a surgeon during the Civil War, he was marked by the experience of branding a deserter, which possibly triggered his later mental health issues.

His life took a darker turn in London when, gripped by delusions, he murdered George Merritt, an event that led to his prolonged stay in Broadmoor Asylum. Despite being institutionalized, Minor concealed this fact, which parallels his struggle with psychological issues and a disturbing incident of self-harm.

In an emotive farewell, Murray personally bid goodbye to Minor as he was transferred back to America for continued care, exemplifying their deep bond.

Contributions to the OED: A Legacy Beyond Circumstances

Dr. William Chester Minor's methodical book-by-book, letter-by-letter quotation gathering for the OED was unconventional yet highly effective. Beyond his scholarly pursuits ...

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Dr. William Chester Minor: A Story of Tragedy and Triumph

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Dr. William Chester Minor made significant contributions to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) by meticulously collecting quotations for its entries. His detailed work helped provide historical context and usage examples for the words included in the dictionary, enriching its content and accuracy. Despite his personal struggles, Minor's dedication to this scholarly endeavor left a lasting legacy in the field of lexicography.
  • Broadmoor Asylum is a high-security psychiatric hospital in England. It is known for housing individuals who have committed serious crimes but are deemed mentally ill. Dr. William Chester Minor was sent to Broadmoor after he was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the murder he committed. His stay there was a part of his treatment and rehabilitation within a secure psychiatric setting.
  • The bond between James Murray and Dr. William Chester Minor was profound due to their shared dedication to the Oxford English Dictionary project. Murray's personal farewell to Minor before his transfer back to America highlighted the deep connection they had developed through their collaborative work on the dictionary. Murray's gesture of bidding goodbye to Minor exemplified the respect and appreciation he held for Minor's contributions despite his troubled past.
  • Dr. William Chester Minor's methodical quotation gathering for the OED involved meticulously collecting examples of words in context from various books, which was a unique approach at the time. This detailed process of sourcing quotations helped provide historical usage examples for the Oxford English Dictionary's definitions. Minor's dedication to this task, despite his personal struggles, showcased his ...

Counterarguments

...

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You Down With OED? | STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW

Engaging the Curious Mind: Podcast Dynamics

From Listener Queries to Economic Theories: Broadening the Conversation

The podcast isn't just about the past; it embraces current topics as well. During a listener mail segment, the hosts delve into "Baumol's cost disease," a theory explaining the rising costs in labor-intensive industries without gains in productivity, a concept brought up to elucidate previous discussions about the soaring costs of attending NBA games and dining out.

This segment demonstrates the program's commitment to exploring a broad range of subjects, bridging historical content with present-day economic issues.

The Role of Community: Valuing Listener Contributions

The podcast emphasizes the OED's longstanding tradition of crowdsourcing and values the active participation of its list ...

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Engaging the Curious Mind: Podcast Dynamics

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • "Baumol's cost disease" is an economic theory that explains why costs rise in labor-intensive industries without a corresponding increase in productivity. It was developed by economists William Baumol and William Bowen in the 1960s. The theory suggests that in sectors like healthcare, education, and the arts, where productivity gains are limited, costs tend to increase over time. This phenomenon can lead to challenges in controlling expenses and maintaining affordability in these sectors.
  • The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has a tradition of crowdsourcing, where it relies on contributions from the public to gather and update its vast collection of words and their meanings. This approach allows for a wide range of perspectives and expertise to be included in the dictionary's entries. Crowdsourcing helps the OED stay current and comprehensive by tapping into the collective knowledge of language users worldwide. The OED's crowdsourcing tradition reflects its commitment to inclusivity and the evolving nature of language.
  • Matt Farmer is a listener whose contr ...

Counterarguments

  • While the podcast may cover a wide range of subjects, it could potentially spread itself too thin, lacking depth in certain areas.
  • Discussing "Baumol's cost disease" might oversimplify the complex factors contributing to rising costs in various industries.
  • The program's emphasis on listener contributions could introduce confirmation bias if the hosts predominantly select views that align with their own.
  • Highlighting individual listeners like Matt Farmer may inadvertently create a perception of favoritism or a hierarchy among the audience.
  • The tradition of crowdsourcing, while valuable, might not always lead to accurate or expert contributions, potentially compromising the quality of information.
  • The sig ...

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You Down With OED? | STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW

Conclusion: The Human Element in Linguistic Endeavors

The Interplay of History, Humanity, and Language Preservation

As the episode concludes, it not only celebrates the magnitude of the OED's contributions but also the intricate human stories that have woven together to form this unparalleled linguistic record.

The staggering number of 140,000 unresolved entries remained after the first supplement's release in 1933, representing the colossal ongoing e ...

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Conclusion: The Human Element in Linguistic Endeavors

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The OED, or Oxford English Dictionary, is a comprehensive dictionary of the English language. It is known for its historical approach, documenting the development and usage of words over time. The OED is a monumental linguistic project that continues to evolve and expand with ongoing research and updates.
  • The 140,000 unresolved entries mentioned in the text are referring to the number of words or terms that were yet to be fully defined or explained in the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) by 1933. These entries represented a significant amount of work still needed to complete the dictionary, showcasing the extensive effort required for such a comprehensive linguistic project. The figure highlights the ongoing nature of the OED's development and the dedication needed to continually update and expand this authoritative resource.
  • The phrase "evolving identity and stature" in the context of the OED (Oxford English Dictionary) signifies the di ...

Counterarguments

...

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