Name: The joy of lexicography
Uploaded: 2007-08-30T07:30:00Z
Duration: 15 min 37 s
Description: Is the beloved paper dictionary doomed to extinction? In this infectiously exuberant talk, leading lexicographer Erin McKean looks at the many ways today's print dictionary is poised for transformation.

Is the beloved paper dictionary doomed to extinction? In this infectiously exuberant talk, leading lexicographer Erin McKean looks at the many ways today's print dictionary is poised for transformation.

The joy of lexicography

The traditional dictionary, shaped by Victorian-era limits, leaves countless words and meanings out simply because of space constraints. Even now, online dictionaries mostly copy the print format, missing opportunities to expand and adapt. With millions of books and newspapers containing words not found in any dictionary, the English language is much bigger than most realize. Letting go of paper’s limitations can make the dictionary as rich and dynamic as the language itself.

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