Have you ever wondered how dictionaries came to be? How did we go from simple lists of words to the comprehensive tomes we rely on today? The history of English language dictionaries is a rich and fascinating story, a testament to our ever-evolving language and our persistent desire to understand and codify it. Join us on a journey through time as we explore the key figures, pivotal moments, and enduring legacy of these indispensable tools.
The Dawn of Lexicography: Early Word Lists and Glossaries
Before the printed dictionary, there were glossaries. These early word lists served a crucial purpose: to explain difficult or foreign words in texts. Imagine trying to decipher ancient manuscripts without any help! Monks, scholars, and early printers painstakingly compiled these glossaries, often focusing on Latin terms or obscure words found in religious texts. These were the humble beginnings of lexicography in the English language. Think of it as the first steps towards standardizing and understanding the vocabulary of the time. These early efforts focused on defining terms within specific contexts, slowly evolving into more comprehensive collections.
The Birth of the English Dictionary: Cawdrey's 'Table Alphabeticall'
The year 1604 marks a significant milestone in the history of English language dictionaries. Robert Cawdrey, a schoolmaster, published 'A Table Alphabeticall of Hard Usual English Words.' While not a dictionary in the modern sense, it's widely considered the first monolingual English dictionary. Cawdrey's work aimed to help “ladies, gentlewomen, or any other unskilful persons” understand the meaning of more complex words borrowed from Latin, Greek, and French. This was a groundbreaking step, shifting the focus from simply translating foreign terms to defining English words for an English-speaking audience. It was a practical tool for improving literacy and understanding the increasingly complex language of the era.
The 18th Century: A Quest for Standardization and Samuel Johnson
The 18th century witnessed a growing desire to standardize the English language. Grammar books and dictionaries flourished, each vying to establish rules and define correct usage. This era was also shaped by the renowned Samuel Johnson. His 'A Dictionary of the English Language,' published in 1755, was a monumental achievement. Johnson's dictionary wasn't just a word list; it included definitions, etymologies (word origins), and illustrative quotations from literature. It was a scholarly work that attempted to capture the full breadth and depth of the English language. Johnson's personal opinions and biases inevitably influenced his definitions, adding a unique and often humorous dimension to his work. For example, his definition of
