Inside the World of Lexicography: Writing and Defining Dictionaries

The video explores the intricacies of lexicography with Peter Sokolowski, a lexicographer at Merriam-Webster. It covers topics like the evolution of dictionaries, the role of technology, and the challenges of defining words. The discussion includes semantic bleaching, skunked words, and the prescriptive vs. descriptive nature of dictionaries. The impact of AI on lexicography is also examined, highlighting the need for human judgment in language interpretation.

What is a 'skunked' word?

• A word that has been removed from the dictionary

• A word with multiple meanings that cause confusion

• A word that is no longer used

• A word that is only used in specific regions

What is Peter Sokolowski's favorite word?

• Sesquipedalian

• Literally

• Bemused

• Irregardless

What does 'sesquipedalian' mean?

• A person who avoids long words

• A person who dislikes dictionaries

• A person who uses long words

• A person who writes dictionaries

What is 'semantic bleaching'?

• The process of a word being used in a specific region

• The process of a word being removed from the dictionary

• The process of a word gaining new meanings

• The process of a word losing its original meaning

Why do some people dislike the modern use of 'literally'?

• It is a new word

• It is only used in specific regions

• It is used in a non-literal sense

• It is not in the dictionary

What was the original intention of dictionaries according to Samuel Johnson and Noah Webster?

• To fix the language permanently

• To record every new word

• To focus on regional dialects

• To remove outdated words

What is the difference between a synchronic and diachronic dictionary?

• Synchronic is online; diachronic is printed

• Synchronic is for learners; diachronic is for experts

• Synchronic focuses on regional dialects; diachronic focuses on slang

• Synchronic records current usage; diachronic records historical usage

How has technology impacted dictionary compilation?

• It has allowed for more words to be included

• It has made dictionaries shorter

• It has removed the need for dictionaries

• It has made dictionaries less reliable

What challenge does AI pose to lexicography?

• AI cannot recognize new words

• AI makes dictionaries obsolete

• AI can replace human lexicographers

• AI-generated texts may skew word usage data

What is the role of editorial judgment in dictionary making?

• To remove outdated words

• To focus solely on scientific terms

• To automate the inclusion of new words

• To interpret and decide on word definitions