Seven years ago when our oldest was in English 10 the recommended dictionary was Webster’s 1828 Edition. We already had a collection of dictionaries, a newer Webster, Oxford, Merriam-Webster, American Heritage and several cheap pocket paperbacks. I really didn’t want to cough up more bucks for another one. We were off the hook when I pointed out the teacher that the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary was available online at yourdictionary.com. I have not purchased another dictionary since. Why should I? If I Google “online dictionary” I get 96 million hits. In fact, if I want a quick definition I use the ‘define’ function in Google. But my fave is still yourdictionary.com for any heavy lifting.
The internet and web2.0 have changed even the humble dictionary. Not just how we access and use it but also in its content. New words, new concepts. How about the verb ‘to Google?’ This brings me to a delightful and humorous TED presentation by Erin McKean, one of the youngest editors of big-time American dictionaries. She brings a whole new way of thinking about lexicography and the day-to-day study of culture and language. It’s a 17-minute talk and you’ll really enjoy it if you have any interest at all in language and teaching and web 2.0.
[youtube J4VzuWmN8zY]
HT: cliotech
September 7, 2007
Great video. “Rocket Science is being done by dedicated amateurs.” So that’s how I can be a homeschool teacher!
I enjoyed this subject a lot since expression of oneself in words is so connecting. My sister and I were looking at a passage in the Bible and then wondering about the word meaning. She had an ancient Noah Webster the meanings it contained were so full and enlightening I wanted to take it home. I didn’t think I could afford one like it. She’d gotten it at a garage sale. Keep on Blogging we love it. You are feeding our brains. Candy
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