I thought the most interesting part of our dictionary research is how dictionaries have actually evolved like evolution over time. The way each dictionary served a different purpose and how the content changed each time is fascinating. I also find it interesting how the content for each dictionary was collected, e.g. with volunteers scouring through literature or listening to people on the street. I would have thought that the reception of each dictionary would be the same; however the case was that some were thought of as better than others, therefore it lead to some being better known and popular than others. Which I think is why, nowadays, we do not really know much about previous dictionaries.
The YouTube clip was interesting as well as quite confusing. The main arguments i picked up were about how American English has basically fallen apart, which I think is untrue because it’s not as if people are talking completely in slang or text speak. Another debate i picked up on was the idea that Descriptivists are lead by the more unintelligent sector of America, which i think it’s slightly true but also a bit ruthless to say. I think the way Descriptivists work is less academically challenging and does sort of state the obvious. On the other hand, we still do need the plain and simple descriptions of words to be able to use them.
Thoughtful and interesting comments! I really agree with what you say about the story of dictionaries, why people thought they were needed and what they believed should be in them. Some very different views on language over the years! You could now add to your research the story of Webster and his dictionary - find out why he thought the Americans needed their own version of English.
ReplyDeleteAim to get used to the terms Prescriptivism and Descriptivism as we will be using them a lot to discuss attitudes to language. It may help to think of the difference between English lessons at school (where you learn 'correct' spellings and grammar) and your present course (about how people actually use language). Have a look on youtube to see if there are any clips about this that are more accessible - let us know what you find! Well done - you are on track to do well here.