Unlocking the Past: Exploring the History of English Lexicography

By Nadia

May 25, 2025

In History & Language

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Have you ever wondered about the origins of the dictionaries we use every day? The story of English lexicography, the art and science of dictionary making, is a rich and fascinating journey that spans centuries. It's a tale of dedicated scholars, evolving language, and the enduring human desire to understand and codify the words we use. Let's delve into this captivating world and discover the key milestones in the development of the English dictionary.

The Dawn of Glossaries: Early Attempts at Defining Words

Before the formal dictionaries we know today, there were glossaries. These were essentially word lists, often bilingual, created to explain difficult or foreign terms. Think of them as the proto-dictionaries! These early efforts were primarily aimed at translating religious texts or classical works, and they marked the first steps towards systematic word definition. They provided explanations for obscure or specialized terms, serving as essential tools for understanding complex writings.

The impetus for creating glossaries often stemmed from the need to bridge linguistic divides. As Latin held sway as the language of scholarship and the Church, glossaries emerged to translate Latin terms into vernacular languages, making knowledge accessible to a wider audience. These early glossaries weren't just about direct translations; they often included explanations of the cultural context and usage of the words, providing valuable insights into the worldviews of the time. One example is the early glossaries that were compiled to help understand the Latin Vulgate Bible. These were invaluable to the clergymen. These tools were essential for interpreting and disseminating knowledge, laying the groundwork for the comprehensive dictionaries that would follow. Understanding these roots helps appreciate the evolution of lexicography.

The Rise of National Languages and the Need for Standardization

As national languages like English gained prominence, the need for standardized dictionaries became increasingly apparent. The lack of a definitive authority on language led to inconsistencies in spelling and meaning, creating confusion and hindering effective communication. The 16th and 17th centuries witnessed a growing awareness of the importance of establishing clear linguistic norms to promote literacy, facilitate commerce, and foster a sense of national identity. This period saw a surge in the creation of monolingual dictionaries, specifically designed to define English words for English speakers. These dictionaries aimed to capture the richness and diversity of the English language while providing guidance on proper usage.

The proliferation of printed books during this era further fueled the demand for standardization. With books becoming more widely available, the need for a consistent and accessible language became paramount. Dictionaries were seen as essential tools for promoting literacy and enabling readers to navigate the expanding world of printed knowledge. The desire to elevate the status of the English language, placing it on par with classical languages like Latin and Greek, also played a significant role in the development of early English dictionaries. Lexicographers sought to demonstrate the richness, complexity, and expressive potential of English, solidifying its position as a language of culture and learning. This standardization made the English language more accessible to a wider range of the population. The journey towards a standardized English language truly began here.

The Impact of Samuel Johnson's Dictionary: A Monumental Achievement

No discussion of the history of English lexicography is complete without acknowledging the monumental achievement of Samuel Johnson's A Dictionary of the English Language, published in 1755. Before Johnson, dictionaries were often haphazard collections of words with inconsistent definitions. Johnson's dictionary was revolutionary in its scope, organization, and meticulousness. It contained over 40,000 words, each defined with illustrative quotations from respected authors. Johnson's dictionary was not merely a list of words; it was a comprehensive record of the English language as it was used in his time.

Johnson's work was groundbreaking for several reasons. First, he provided clear and precise definitions, drawing upon his vast knowledge of literature and language. Second, he included illustrative quotations that demonstrated the usage of each word in context, providing readers with a deeper understanding of its meaning and nuances. Third, he offered his own opinions on the correctness and elegance of various words, reflecting his own preferences and judgments as a literary figure. While Johnson's dictionary was not without its imperfections (some of his definitions were famously idiosyncratic), it set a new standard for lexicographical excellence and exerted a profound influence on the development of English dictionaries for centuries to come.

The sheer scale of Johnson's undertaking is astounding. He worked for seven years with a team of assistants, meticulously compiling and defining words. The dictionary was not only a linguistic achievement but also a testament to Johnson's extraordinary dedication and intellectual prowess. It solidified his reputation as one of the leading literary figures of his age and established him as a central figure in the history of English lexicography. Johnson's dictionary became the standard reference work for the English language, shaping the way people understood and used words for generations.

Noah Webster and the Americanization of the English Language

Across the Atlantic, Noah Webster championed a distinctively American approach to lexicography. Webster believed that the United States, as an independent nation, should have its own dictionary that reflected its unique culture and language. His An American Dictionary of the English Language, published in 1828, was a landmark achievement that helped to standardize American English and establish its distinct identity. It contained twelve thousand words that had never appeared in a published dictionary before.

Webster's dictionary differed from its British counterparts in several key respects. He simplified spelling, replacing spellings like