The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is a comprehensive and authoritative dictionary of the English language. It is widely considered to be the most important reference work for English language scholars and enthusiasts. The OED is a fascinating story of persistence, scholarship, and dedication to the English language. In this article, we will explore the history of the OED, the challenges faced by its creators, and the impact it has had on the English language.
The Origins of the OED
The origins of the OED can be traced back to the mid-19th century. At that time, there was a growing interest in the history and development of the English language. Scholars and linguists recognized the need for a comprehensive dictionary that would provide a detailed record of the language’s evolution. In 1857, the Philological Society of London began work on what would eventually become the OED.
The Creation of the OED
The creation of the OED was a monumental task that took over 70 years to complete. The project was led by James Murray, a Scottish lexicographer who was appointed editor of the OED in 1879. Murray was responsible for coordinating the efforts of hundreds of volunteers who contributed to the dictionary over the years. The work was painstakingly slow, as the volunteers had to read through tens of thousands of books and documents to find examples of words and their usage.
One of the major challenges faced by the creators of the OED was the lack of a standardized spelling system for the English language. In the 19th century, there were many different spellings of words, and the same word could be spelled in different ways depending on the context. Murray and his team had to develop a system of spelling conventions to ensure consistency throughout the dictionary.
Another challenge was the sheer size of the project. The OED contains over 600,000 words and took up 15,490 pages when it was first published in 1928. The dictionary was so large that it had to be published in multiple volumes.
The Impact of the OED
The publication of the OED had a significant impact on the English language. It provided scholars and enthusiasts with a comprehensive record of the language’s evolution, and it helped to standardize English spelling and usage. The OED also introduced many new words and phrases into the English language, such as “selfie,” “cyberspace,” and “Google.”
The OED is still widely used today and has undergone several updates and revisions since its initial publication. It is available online, making it more accessible than ever before. The dictionary continues to be a valuable resource for scholars, writers, and anyone interested in the English language.
Conclusion
The Oxford English Dictionary is a testament to the persistence, scholarship, and dedication of its creators. The dictionary has had a significant impact on the English language, providing scholars and enthusiasts with a comprehensive record of its evolution. The creation of the OED was a monumental task that took over 70 years to complete, but its impact on the English language has been immeasurable.
