1A Finding The Forgotten Creators Of The Oxford English Dictionary
Dec 13, 2024
Join linguist Sarah Ogilvie, a former editor of the Oxford English Dictionary and author of "The Dictionary People," along with Anne Curzan, Professor of English at the University of Michigan and author of "Says Who?" They uncover the hidden stories of the unsung heroes behind the Oxford English Dictionary. Discover how diverse contributors—especially women and those from marginalized backgrounds—shaped this monumental work. The discussion also explores the dictionary's evolution in the digital age and its relevance in today's language landscape.
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Cherished OED
- Jen White cherishes her OED, received as a spelling bee prize.
- Listeners share personal stories, highlighting the OED's significance in their lives.
OED's Unique Approach
- The OED differs from other dictionaries by providing word biographies.
- It traces each word's history from its first recorded use to the present day.
Radical Idea
- The OED's concept of describing a word's history was radical.
- The 19th-century project's ambition was immense, given the lack of modern technology.
