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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question_answer ANECDOTE
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.
insights INSIGHT
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.
insights INSIGHT
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.
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Anne Curzan's "Says Who?" offers a friendly and engaging guide to the complexities of English usage. It tackles common grammar debates and misconceptions with clarity and humor, empowering readers to confidently navigate the ever-evolving landscape of language. The book explores the historical context of language rules, highlighting the often arbitrary nature of prescriptive grammar. Curzan emphasizes the importance of understanding the social and cultural factors that shape language use, promoting a more inclusive and nuanced approach to language. Ultimately, "Says Who?" encourages readers to embrace the beauty and dynamism of the English language.
The Dictionary People
The Unsung Heroes Who Created the Oxford English Dictionary
Sarah Ogilvie
Sarah Ogilvie's "The Dictionary People" unveils the untold stories of the thousands of individuals who contributed to the Oxford English Dictionary. It highlights the diverse backgrounds of these contributors, many of whom were women, lacked formal education, or were patients in mental institutions. The book explores their motivations, the challenges they faced, and their significant impact on the creation of this monumental work. Ogilvie's research sheds light on the human element behind the dictionary, revealing a rich tapestry of lives and experiences. The book challenges the traditional perception of the OED as a purely scholarly endeavor, emphasizing the collaborative and inclusive nature of its creation.
The Professor and the Madman CD
Simon Winchester
This book chronicles the twenty-year friendship between Professor James Murray, the head of the committee supervising the compilation of the Oxford English Dictionary, and Dr. William Chester Minor, who contributed more than ten thousand words to the project despite being incarcerated at an asylum for the criminally insane. The narrative delves into the lives of these two men, their contributions to the dictionary, and the broader historical context of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It explores themes of madness, genius, and the obsessive efforts that went into creating one of the greatest literary achievements in English history.
There are few books in the world that most people have heard of. There are even fewer so recognizable that are 500,000 words long.
That's right, we're talking about the dictionary.
The Oxford English Dictionary is the longest English variant of its kind in the world. But many of those who made significant contributions to its creation went unknown for years — until now. These included hundreds of women, people without formal educations, and patients in mental institutions.
In other words, the people who helped make the OED were as diverse as the words in it. We discuss how the Oxford English Dictionary came to be and how our relationship to the dictionary has changed.
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