303THE EVOLUTION OF AMERICAN LEXICOGRAPHY: FROM WEBSTER
TO DIGITAL DICTIONARIES
Nargiza Narzulla kizi Pardaeva
Student, Chirchik State Pedagogical University nargizapardaeva780@gmail .com
Mubinabonu Rakhimjon kizi Rustamova
Student, Chirchik State Pedagogical University mubinarustam0va02@gmail .com
Scientific adviser: Diana Valeryevna Abduramanova
Senior teacher, Chirchik State Pedagogical University diana1207saliyeva@gmail .com
This article provides a brief overview of the history of American lexicography, tracing its development from colonial times to the present day. It highlights the contributions of notable figures such as Noah Webster and James Murray, and explores how American dictionaries have reflected changes in society and culture. The article also notes the impact of digital technology on the field of lexicography, and emphasizes the ongoing importance of dictionaries as a resource for language learners and speakers.
Keywords: dictionary, language, history, lexicography, review, literature, evolution, technology.
Inroduction
Lexicography, the study and compilation of dictionaries, has a rich history in America dating back to colonial times. From the early days of English settlement to the present day, American lexicographers have played a vital role in shaping the English language and documenting its evolution. This article explores the fascinating history of American lexicography, highlighting key figures and their contributions, as well as discussing the impact of digital technology on the field. As dictionaries continue to be an essential resource for language learners and speakers alike, understanding their history and evolution is crucial
ABSTRACT
for appreciating their ongoing importance.
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Literature review
The history of American lexicography can be traced back to the colonial period, when early settlers began to compile word lists and glossaries of Native American languages. One of the earliest examples of an English language dictionary in America was A New English Dictionary by Thomas Dyche, published in 1735. However, it was not until Noah Webster's publication of A Compendious Dictionary of the English Language in 1806 that American lexicography truly came into its own. Webster's dictionary was notable for its focus on American English, with entries for words and spellings that were unique to the United States. This set a precedent for subsequent American dictionaries, which continued to document the evolution of the English language in America. Notable figures in American lexicography include Merriam-Webster editor Philip Gove, who oversaw the creation of the influential Webster's Third New International Dictionary in 1961.
The advent of digital technology has had a profound impact on lexicography, with online dictionaries and language tools becoming increasingly popular. This has led to new challenges and opportunities for lexicographers, who must navigate issues such as user-generated content and the need for constantly updated information.
Additionally, the literature on American lexicography highlights the importance of dictionaries as a tool for documenting and shaping language, as well as the ongoing evolution of the field in response to technological advancements.
Literary analysis and methodology
The methodology for this article involves a thorough review of the literature on American lexicography, including primary sources such as historical dictionaries and secondary sources such as scholarly articles and books. The research process involved identifying key figures and their contributions to the field, as well as examining the impact of digital technology on lexicography. The literature review was conducted using online databases such as JSTOR and Google Scholar, as well as library resources.
Lexicography is the study of dictionaries and their creation. American lexicography refers to the development of dictionaries in the United States, which has a rich history that dates back to colonial times.
The first dictionary published in America was the "New England Primer," which was a textbook used to teach children how to read and write. It included a list of words with their definitions, which was the precursor to the modern dictionary. In 1806, Noah Webster published his "A Compendious Dictionary of the English Language," which was
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the first American dictionary. It was followed by his famous "An American Dictionary of the English Language" in 1828, which included over 70,000 words and definitions.Webster's dictionary was significant because it reflected American spelling and pronunciation, which differed from British English. He also included Americanisms, which were words and phrases that were unique to American English.
In the late 19th century, James Murray began work on the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), which was the first comprehensive dictionary of the English language. Although it was a British project, American lexicographers contributed to its development.
In the 20th century, American lexicography continued to evolve with the publication of dictionaries such as "Webster's New International Dictionary" and "The American Heritage Dictionary." These dictionaries included more contemporary words and reflected changes in American English.
Today, lexicography continues to be an important field of study in linguistics. The development of digital technology has allowed for the creation of online dictionaries and language resources that are accessible to people around the globe.
Results and discussion
The literature on American lexicography highlights the importance of dictionaries as a tool for documenting and shaping language. Dictionaries play a crucial role in standardizing language, providing definitions and spellings that are widely accepted and used. However, dictionaries are not static entities, but rather are constantly evolving to reflect changes in language use and cultural norms. The impact of digital technology on lexicography is particularly noteworthy. Online dictionaries and language tools have made language resources more accessible than ever before, but they also present new challenges for lexicographers. User-generated content, such as crowdsourced definitions and spellings, can be difficult to verify and may not meet the same standards of accuracy and consistency as traditional dictionaries.
Conclusion
The history of American lexicography has been shaped by key figures such as Noah Webster and Philip Gove, as well as by ongoing technological advancements. Dictionaries remain an important tool for standardizing language and documenting its evolution, but the rise of digital technology has presented new challenges and opportunities for lexicographers. As language use continues to evolve, lexicographers must adapt to changing needs and find ways to maintain accuracy and consistency in an increasingly complex linguistic landscape.
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