Who decides what's in the dictionary? | Ilan Stavans

The video explores the history and evolution of dictionaries, starting with early definitions by Ambrose Bierce and Samuel Johnson. It highlights Noah Webster's creation of an American dictionary to establish a distinct American English. Webster's work was later expanded by the Merriam brothers, leading to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Modern dictionaries now include words based on widespread use and reflect societal changes, such as the inclusion of nonbinary pronouns. The video emphasizes that language is shaped by collective use and that dictionaries now consider user input for word inclusion.

What was a common characteristic of early dictionaries?

• They reflected the personal opinions of their authors.

• They were written by committees.

• They were updated annually.

• They included only scientific terms.

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

• To exclude slang from all communities

• To create a universal language

• To preserve British English

• To establish a distinct American English

How did Noah Webster's approach to dictionary-making differ from his contemporaries?

• He focused solely on scientific terms.

• He followed strict British guidelines.

• He included slang words to capture local variations.

• He excluded all new words.

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

• Dictionaries stopped including new words.

• Dictionaries were no longer published.

• A group of language experts began curating dictionaries.

• A single authority continued to curate dictionaries.

What criteria are used today to include a word in the dictionary?

• It must be a scientific term.

• It must have widespread, sustained, and meaningful use.

• It must be a slang term.

• It must be approved by a single authority.

How has the definition of 'wife' changed over time?

• It now includes the concept of legal subordination.

• It has remained the same.

• It excludes any mention of marriage.

• It is now defined simply as a female partner in a marriage.

Who plays a significant role in shaping modern dictionaries?

• Historical linguists

• Government officials

• The dictionary's users

• Only professional lexicographers