Understanding the Evolution of Dictionaries

The video explores the evolution of dictionaries, starting with early definitions by Ambrose Bierce and Samuel Johnson. It highlights Noah Webster's significant role in shaping American English, emphasizing his inclusion of slang and simplified spelling. The transition to Merriam-Webster marked a shift to collective curation by language experts, with modern criteria for word inclusion. The video also discusses how definitions change over time, reflecting societal shifts, and the growing influence of users in shaping dictionaries.

What was the primary purpose of early dictionaries according to the transcript?

• To include slang words

• To standardize spelling

• To showcase the authors' opinions

• To provide a comprehensive list of all words

What was Noah Webster's main goal in creating his dictionary?

• To establish a distinct American English

• To preserve British English

• To create a universal language

• To exclude slang words

How did Noah Webster's approach to dictionary creation differ from others at the time?

• He excluded all opinions

• He ignored local language variations

• He focused solely on British English

• He included slang words

What change occurred in dictionary creation after Webster's death?

• Dictionaries were no longer updated

• A group of experts began curating dictionaries

• Dictionaries stopped including new words

• A single authority continued to curate dictionaries

What is the current criterion for including a word in the dictionary?

• It must be used by a famous author

• It must have widespread, sustained, and meaningful use

• It must be a slang word

• It must be approved by a single authority

How do modern dictionaries handle the inclusion of profanities?

• They are included only in online versions

• They are included only if they are not offensive

• They are included if they meet the criteria

• They are always excluded

What significant change in the definition of 'wife' is highlighted in the transcript?

• It now includes the husband's will

• It is defined as a female partner in a marriage

• It is defined as a married woman with no will

• It includes the husband's occupation

What was Merriam-Webster's word of the year in 2019?

• They

• Wife

• Lexicographer

• Dictionary

How do lexicographers today decide which words to add to the dictionary?

• Based on the most searched words by users

• Based on the oldest words in the language

• Based on words used in literature

• Based on words used in legal documents

Who plays a significant role in shaping dictionaries today?

• Only language experts

• Only authors

• All users of the language

• Only publishers