DICTIONARY AND THE WORD

A dictionary is a reference book that gives some information about words. Every user of the English language is therefore expected to make the dictionary a valuable companion. The fact that nobody is a compendium of knowledge makes the dictionary indispensable as far as its uses are concerned. Yet, in order to use it intelligently, one needs some understanding of its plan.

But there are several misconceptions about dictionaries. First, people do think all dictionaries are alike. There are always differences among dictionaries as no two dictionaries have the same pattern of plan. Second, people generally think that dictionaries are infallible (i.e, without mistakes or errors). The fact remains that nothing and no nobody is infallible. It is possible for two dictionaries to disagree on a particular point, ye both of them cannot be right at the same time: it is either one or the other. Third, people do believe that when a particular word does not feature in the dictionary, then it does not exist or is not correct. But even the largest and unabridged dictionaries do not include every new word, slang, and change in meaning.

Dictionaries are categorised into two: namely general dictionaries and special dictionaries. The differences between the two are in terms of focus. While a general dictionary treats all uses of dictionary(though with limited emphasis on each aspect), a special dictionary deals specially with a use of dictionary. In other words, the latter is not all-embracing but rather specializes in an aspect by treating it in isolation. This means that a special dictionary can just take on the pronunciation of words and make it its focus without treating the usage or, in similar vein, emphasize the spelling of words without a mention of idioms.

Our next lecture will concentrate on dictionary and its uses.

Have a great week!