Redefining the Dictionary for the Digital Age

Are paper dictionaries destined for obsolescence? Lexicographer Erin McKean explores how the traditional print dictionary is evolving in today's fast-paced world. She challenges our conventional understanding of dictionaries and language itself.

The Dictionary as a Reflection of Our World

McKean humorously rejects the role of a 'traffic cop' for words, deciding which are 'good' and which are 'bad.' Instead, she envisions herself as a 'fisherman,' casting a wide net into the ocean of English to discover the marvelous linguistic creatures that lie beneath.

Challenging Victorian Era Dictionary Design

She argues that our concept of the dictionary hasn't significantly changed since Queen Victoria's reign. The structure and purpose have remained largely the same, a static repository of words rather than a dynamic reflection of language in use.

The Computer Paradox

While computers have sped up dictionary compilation, they haven't fundamentally altered the end product. Online dictionaries, often just digital versions of their print counterparts, retain many of the same limitations.

The Power of Serendipity

Serendipity, the accidental discovery of something unexpected, is a key advantage of print dictionaries that is often lost in the digital realm. Improved searchability can eliminate the chance encounters with new words and ideas.

The Ham Butt Problem

McKean uses the analogy of the 'ham butt problem' to illustrate how we often discard valuable parts of language simply because of tradition or artificial constraints. Just as the 'butt' of the ham is perfectly edible, so too are many words deemed 'unworthy' of inclusion in the dictionary.

Paper as an Obstacle

McKean makes a counterintuitive claim: paper is the enemy of words. While she loves books, she argues that the book format is not ideal for a dictionary. The physical constraints of a book lead to arbitrary distinctions and a skewed worldview.

Artificial Constraints

Artificial constraints lead to arbitrary distinctions and a skewed worldview. Limiting the scope of a dictionary based on size or perceived importance prevents us from fully understanding the richness and complexity of language.

Embracing the Beauty of Words

Lexicography is about understanding the properties of the materials we use to construct our expressions. It's not about judging words but about recognizing their potential.

Making Words Real

If you love a word, use it. That makes it real. Being in the dictionary is an artificial distinction. Love makes things real.

The Mobile Language

Imagine the English language as a mobile, constantly shifting and evolving. Each time we use a word in a new context, we change its position, giving it a new connotation. This dynamic view of language embraces change and innovation.

Asking for Help

With millions of books, newspapers, and online resources, there are countless words waiting to be discovered. We need to enlist the help of everyone to map the ever-expanding landscape of language.

The Internet as a Word Collector

The internet, with its vast collection of words and enthusiastic users, is the perfect tool for lexicography. However, it's crucial to maintain scientific rigor by documenting the context and source of each word.

Making the Dictionary the Whole Language

McKean envisions a future where the dictionary encompasses the entire language, free from artificial distinctions and limitations. She hopes her son will see traditional dictionaries as outdated formats, like eight-track tapes.

By embracing a more inclusive and dynamic approach to lexicography, we can unlock the full potential of language and empower individuals to express themselves with creativity and precision.