http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/5430.opds 2024-11-09T23:10:49Z Preface to a Dictionary of the English Language by Samuel Johnson Free eBooks since 1971. Project Gutenberg https://www.gutenberg.org webmaster@gutenberg.org https://www.gutenberg.org/gutenberg/favicon.ico 25 1 2024-11-09T23:10:49Z Preface to a Dictionary of the English Language

This edition had all images removed.

Title: Preface to a Dictionary of the English Language

Note: Reading ease score: 35.4 (College-level). Difficult to read.

Credits: Steve Harris, Charles Franks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team

Summary: "Preface to a Dictionary of the English Language" by Samuel Johnson is a foundational piece in the lexicographical field, written during the 18th century. This work serves as an introduction to Johnson's ambitious project of creating a comprehensive dictionary, devoted to the exploration and organization of the English language. The preface outlines the challenges and philosophical considerations of defining a language that is both rich and changing over time. In this preface, Johnson reflects on the lexicographer's plight, detailing the arduous task of cataloging words in a language as vibrant and chaotic as English. He discusses the historical roots and evolving nature of words, the complexities of orthography and pronunciation, and the interplay between various linguistic influences, notably Latin and Teutonic languages. Throughout, he emphasizes the necessity of maintaining stability in language while recognizing that change is inherent to living tongues. Johnson articulates his vision for the dictionary as a cumulative effort that balances reverence for tradition with the realities of linguistic evolution, ultimately aiming to create a resource that would meet the communicative needs of English speakers and scholars. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Author: Johnson, Samuel, 1709-1784

EBook No.: 5430

Published: Apr 1, 2004

Downloads: 253

Language: English

Subject: English language -- Dictionaries

Subject: Lexicology

LoCC: Language and Literatures: English

Category: Text

Rights: Public domain in the USA.

urn:gutenberg:5430:2 2004-04-01T00:00:00+00:00 Public domain in the USA. Johnson, Samuel en 1
2024-11-09T23:10:49Z Preface to a Dictionary of the English Language

This edition has images.

Title: Preface to a Dictionary of the English Language

Note: Reading ease score: 35.4 (College-level). Difficult to read.

Credits: Steve Harris, Charles Franks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team

Summary: "Preface to a Dictionary of the English Language" by Samuel Johnson is a foundational piece in the lexicographical field, written during the 18th century. This work serves as an introduction to Johnson's ambitious project of creating a comprehensive dictionary, devoted to the exploration and organization of the English language. The preface outlines the challenges and philosophical considerations of defining a language that is both rich and changing over time. In this preface, Johnson reflects on the lexicographer's plight, detailing the arduous task of cataloging words in a language as vibrant and chaotic as English. He discusses the historical roots and evolving nature of words, the complexities of orthography and pronunciation, and the interplay between various linguistic influences, notably Latin and Teutonic languages. Throughout, he emphasizes the necessity of maintaining stability in language while recognizing that change is inherent to living tongues. Johnson articulates his vision for the dictionary as a cumulative effort that balances reverence for tradition with the realities of linguistic evolution, ultimately aiming to create a resource that would meet the communicative needs of English speakers and scholars. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Author: Johnson, Samuel, 1709-1784

EBook No.: 5430

Published: Apr 1, 2004

Downloads: 253

Language: English

Subject: English language -- Dictionaries

Subject: Lexicology

LoCC: Language and Literatures: English

Category: Text

Rights: Public domain in the USA.

urn:gutenberg:5430:3 2004-04-01T00:00:00+00:00 Public domain in the USA. Johnson, Samuel en 1