Introduction
Have you ever wondered about the mysterious world behind dictionary creation? In "Word by Word," Kory Stamper, a lexicographer at Merriam-Webster, pulls back the curtain on the fascinating and often misunderstood profession of dictionary writing. This engaging book offers a unique glimpse into the intricate process of defining words, the challenges faced by lexicographers, and the surprising complexities of language and grammar.
Stamper's witty and insightful narrative takes readers on a journey through the hidden corners of lexicography, revealing the painstaking work that goes into creating the reference books we often take for granted. From the silent cubicles of dictionary offices to the heated debates over word usage, "Word by Word" explores the human side of language documentation and challenges our assumptions about what it means to define words.
The Unexpected Path to Lexicography
Becoming a lexicographer is not a typical career choice, and Stamper's own journey into the field was somewhat serendipitous. She explains that dictionary writing is far from a booming industry, with few people even aware that such a profession exists. However, for those who stumble upon this niche field and find it appealing, the barriers to entry are surprisingly low.
Lexicography welcomes individuals from diverse academic backgrounds, as long as they possess a strong command of English and a university degree in any field. This diversity is actually an asset, as dictionaries cover a wide range of subjects, and specialists in various disciplines can bring valuable expertise to the table. Whether you're a mathematician, a sports enthusiast, or a literature buff, there might be a place for you in the world of lexicography.
However, Stamper warns that this is not a job for social butterflies. Lexicographers spend much of their time working in silence, poring over words and their usage. The author vividly describes her first visit to Merriam-Webster's editorial floor, where the deafening silence and rows of solitary cubicles made it clear that social interaction was not a priority. For those who love language and relish the opportunity to think deeply about words all day, lexicography can be a dream job.
The Complexities of Grammar
One of the most surprising revelations in "Word by Word" is the true nature of grammar. Stamper challenges the common misconception that grammar is a set of rigid rules with clear right and wrong answers. In reality, grammar is a complex and often ambiguous field, full of nuances and exceptions.
Lexicographers face this complexity head-on when categorizing words into the eight recognized parts of speech: noun, verb, adjective, adverb, conjunction, interjection, pronoun, and preposition. Stamper shares her own experiences grappling with seemingly simple words that prove to be grammatical puzzles. For example, she recounts a debate over the classification of "but" in the sentence "What can they do but try?" The discussion reveals how even small words can have multiple interpretations and classifications.
The author also discusses the occasional need for lexicographers to make judgment calls when faced with grammatical ambiguities. She shares an anecdote about discovering that "the" had been classified as an adjective in an abridged dictionary, a decision that had been carried forward for generations simply because no one could figure out a better way to categorize it within the existing framework.
These examples serve to illustrate that grammar is not a black-and-white subject, but rather a field full of gray areas and ongoing debates. Stamper encourages readers to approach grammar with an open mind and to recognize that language is constantly evolving.
Challenging Linguistic Prejudices
One of the key themes in "Word by Word" is the importance of challenging our own linguistic prejudices. Stamper argues that many people mistakenly view grammar as a tool for judgment and criticism, rather than as a descriptive framework for understanding language use.
She shares her own experience of confronting her biases during a tutorial on style and definitions at Merriam-Webster. When asked whether "good" was an adjective or an adverb, Stamper instinctively answered that it was only an adjective, based on her schooling. However, she was forced to reconsider when the tutor pointed out that she had used "good" as an adverb earlier in the conversation, saying "I'm doing good."
This anecdote highlights the gap between prescriptive grammar rules and actual language use. Stamper explains that "good" has been used as both an adjective and an adverb for over a thousand years, despite what many of us were taught in school. This revelation underscores the primary goal of lexicography: to record language as it is actually used, rather than to enforce arbitrary rules or personal preferences.
The Surprising History of "Wrong" Words
Stamper delves into the fascinating world of words that are often considered "wrong" but turn out to have legitimate historical usage. She uses the example of "irregardless," a word that many people consider to be nonsensical due to its seemingly redundant prefix. However, Stamper explains that the word has been in use since the 19th century and is included in most dictionaries, albeit often with a note indicating that it's nonstandard.
The author shares an intriguing correspondence with a reader from Mississippi who claimed that "irregardless" was used as a superlative form of "regardless" in his state. While Stamper couldn't confirm this specific usage, it prompted her to dig deeper into the word's history. She discovered numerous citations in Merriam-Webster's collection dating back to the 1800s, suggesting that the word has a more complex and nuanced history than many people realize.
This exploration of "irregardless" serves as a prime example of how lexicographers must balance popular perception with historical evidence and actual usage. It also highlights the ever-evolving nature of language and the importance of keeping an open mind when it comes to word meanings and usage.
The Art of Defining
Stamper provides valuable insights into the process of crafting dictionary definitions, explaining the difference between lexical defining and real defining. She notes that many dictionary users expect to find philosophical or essential definitions of concepts, but this is not the goal of lexicography.
Lexical defining, which is the focus of dictionary work, aims to describe how words are actually used in everyday language. This means that instead of pondering the true nature of love, for example, lexicographers are more concerned with how the word "love" is used in various contexts, such as someone saying they love pizza.
This distinction can lead to frustration for some dictionary users who are seeking deeper meanings or philosophical insights. Stamper shares examples of reader comments expressing disappointment with definitions of words like "love," which they feel don't capture the word's full emotional or spiritual significance.
The author emphasizes that lexicographers are not trying to provide the ultimate truth about concepts, but rather to document how words are commonly used and understood. This approach allows dictionaries to remain objective and descriptive, rather than prescriptive or philosophical.
The Criteria for Dictionary Inclusion
One of the most interesting aspects of lexicography revealed in "Word by Word" is the process by which words are selected for inclusion in dictionaries. Stamper explains that contrary to popular belief, dictionaries are not meant to be comprehensive collections of every word in a language. Instead, they follow specific criteria to determine which words make the cut.
The first criterion is wide currency, meaning that a word must appear regularly in print across various publications. Stamper notes that specialized terms used only in niche publications are unlikely to be included in general dictionaries. The second criterion is longevity; words need to have been in use for a significant period to prove they're not just passing fads.
Stamper illustrates the challenges of applying these criteria with the example of "snollygoster," a word meaning a person without principles. The word had been popular in the 19th century but fell out of use and was removed from the dictionary in the 1980s. However, when a TV pundit revived the word in the 1990s, its absence from the dictionary caused embarrassment for Merriam-Webster.
The third criterion is that a word must be meaningful. Stamper explains that some long words, like "antidisestablishmentarianism," are rarely used in actual communication and are mainly cited as examples of long words. Such words may not meet the criteria for inclusion in more stringent dictionaries.
These criteria highlight the balancing act that lexicographers must perform, trying to keep dictionaries current and relevant while also maintaining their authority and usefulness.
The Challenge of Finding Good Citations
An often-overlooked aspect of dictionary creation is the selection of example sentences or citations to illustrate word usage. Stamper reveals that finding appropriate citations is much more challenging than one might expect.
She explains that good dictionary citations need to meet three main criteria: they should demonstrate the most common usage of a word, they should only contain words that are listed elsewhere in the dictionary, and they should be relatively bland and uninteresting. This last criterion might seem counterintuitive, but Stamper emphasizes that the goal of lexicography is to inform, not entertain. Exciting or controversial examples could distract from the definition itself.
The author shares her experiences of searching for the perfect citation, often sifting through numerous texts to find an example that clearly illustrates a word's meaning without introducing unnecessary complexity or distraction. She also notes that some lexicographers create their own example sentences, but this approach comes with its own set of challenges, as there's a temptation to craft overly clever or flowery examples that don't serve the primary purpose of clarifying word usage.
This insight into the citation process highlights the meticulous nature of lexicography and the many considerations that go into creating even the smallest parts of a dictionary entry.
The Political Side of Lexicography
While dictionary writing might seem like a purely academic pursuit, Stamper reveals that it can sometimes become unexpectedly political. She explains that dictionaries still carry significant authority in the eyes of many readers, even though their purpose is to describe language use rather than prescribe correctness or morality.
Stamper shares her experience of being caught in a political firestorm when Merriam-Webster updated its definition of "marriage" to include same-sex unions. Although the change was made simply to reflect the increasing use of the term in print, it sparked a controversy among conservative groups who saw it as a form of legitimization.
This incident highlights the tension between the descriptive nature of lexicography and the prescriptive expectations of some dictionary users. Stamper emphasizes that dictionaries are not meant to be arbiters of morality or legality, but rather reflections of how language is actually used in society.
The author also discusses the challenges of deciding which new words to include in dictionary revisions. She notes that the inclusion of slang terms or informal language can sometimes lead to public outcry from those who believe dictionaries should only contain "proper" language. These situations require lexicographers to balance their commitment to accurately documenting language use with the need to maintain public trust and authority.
The Human Side of Lexicography
Throughout "Word by Word," Stamper paints a vivid picture of the day-to-day life of lexicographers. She describes the quiet, focused atmosphere of the dictionary office, where writers spend hours poring over citations and debating the nuances of word meanings. This behind-the-scenes look humanizes the often anonymous work of dictionary creation and reveals the passion and dedication of those who choose this unique career path.
Stamper shares anecdotes of heated debates over word definitions, amusing encounters with the public, and the occasional moments of levity that break up the serious work of lexicography. These stories serve to remind readers that dictionaries are not created by machines or all-knowing language gods, but by real people with their own quirks, biases, and areas of expertise.
The author also touches on the emotional aspects of lexicography, describing the satisfaction of crafting the perfect definition, the frustration of grappling with ambiguous usage, and the occasional pangs of imposter syndrome that can affect even experienced lexicographers. These personal insights make the book not just an exploration of language, but also a memoir of life in a fascinating and little-understood profession.
The Evolution of Dictionaries in the Digital Age
While much of "Word by Word" focuses on traditional print dictionaries, Stamper also addresses the changing landscape of lexicography in the digital age. She discusses how online dictionaries and language resources have transformed the way people interact with word definitions and usage information.
The author notes that digital platforms allow for more frequent updates and the inclusion of a wider range of words and meanings. However, this also presents new challenges, such as maintaining the authority and reliability that people associate with traditional print dictionaries.
Stamper also touches on how digital tools have changed the work of lexicographers themselves. Access to vast online corpora of text has made it easier to track word usage and find citations, but it has also increased the volume of information that needs to be sifted through and analyzed.
Despite these changes, Stamper argues that the fundamental principles of lexicography remain the same: to accurately and objectively document language as it is used by real people in real situations. The digital age has simply provided new tools and platforms for carrying out this age-old mission.
The Importance of Dictionaries in Society
Throughout the book, Stamper makes a compelling case for the continued relevance and importance of dictionaries in modern society. She argues that while people may not consult physical dictionaries as often as they used to, the work of lexicographers continues to shape our understanding of language and communication.
Dictionaries, according to Stamper, serve as more than just reference books. They are records of our cultural and linguistic history, snapshots of how language evolves over time, and tools for fostering clear communication. By documenting both standard and nonstandard usage, dictionaries help us understand the full spectrum of how language is used across different communities and contexts.
The author also emphasizes the role of dictionaries in education, not just as tools for learning vocabulary, but as resources for understanding the complexities and nuances of language. She suggests that a more nuanced understanding of how dictionaries work could lead to better language education and a more informed approach to grammar and usage.
Final Thoughts
"Word by Word" offers a fascinating journey into the world of lexicography, challenging our preconceptions about language, grammar, and the nature of dictionaries themselves. Kory Stamper's engaging narrative style and personal anecdotes make the sometimes dry subject of dictionary writing come alive, revealing the human stories and intellectual challenges behind every definition.
The book serves as a reminder that language is a living, evolving entity, and that our understanding of it is constantly being refined and updated. It encourages readers to approach language with curiosity and openness, to question their assumptions about "correct" usage, and to appreciate the complexity and richness of human communication.
Stamper's work also highlights the often-overlooked importance of lexicographers in shaping our understanding of language. These dedicated professionals serve as the chroniclers of our linguistic evolution, carefully documenting how words are used and understood in real-world contexts.
Ultimately, "Word by Word" is a celebration of language in all its messy, contradictory, and beautiful forms. It invites readers to look at the words they use every day with fresh eyes and a deeper appreciation for the subtle shades of meaning that make human communication so complex and fascinating.
For anyone who has ever been curious about where words come from, how they change over time, or why we use them the way we do, this book offers a wealth of insights and a new perspective on the language we often take for granted. It's a testament to the enduring power of words and the people who dedicate their lives to understanding and documenting them.
As Stamper so eloquently demonstrates, the world of lexicography is far from dull or outdated. It's a dynamic field that continues to evolve and adapt, reflecting the ever-changing landscape of human communication. By pulling back the curtain on this little-understood profession, "Word by Word" not only educates and entertains but also instills a newfound respect for the humble dictionary and the dedicated individuals who create it.
In an age of instant information and rapidly evolving language, Stamper's book serves as a reminder of the value of careful, thoughtful analysis of words and their meanings. It challenges us to think more deeply about the language we use and to approach communication with greater precision and understanding.
Whether you're a language enthusiast, a curious reader, or someone who has never given much thought to dictionaries before, "Word by Word" offers a unique and engaging exploration of the hidden world behind our words. It's a book that will change the way you think about language, leaving you with a greater appreciation for the complexity and beauty of human communication.