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.

In what ways can dictionaries provide guidance on word usage?

How has the advent of online dictionaries affected the inclusion of new words?

What is the importance of example sentences in dictionary definitions?

What challenges do lexicographers face with the rise of AI-generated texts?