Ever-Changing World
What strikes me as interesting is the formal and informal growth of language. Even dictionaries vary in their viewpoint. "Most of the Merriam-Webster dictionaries take the stance that 'almost anything goes' as long as it is popular." (p.62, Reidling) According to merriam-webster.com, the 2017 dictionary added over 1,000 new words, including fast fashion and woo woo...
Definition of fast fashion : an approach to the design, creation, and marketing of clothing fashions that emphasizes making fashion trends quickly and cheaply available to consumers
Definition of woo-woo: dubiously or outlandishly mystical, supernatural, or unscientific
Not only are new words joining the vernacular, but old words change their meaning. As language evolves, new generations give their own meaning to vocabulary. Take for example the evolution of; fag (to work hard; a cigarette; offensive term for a homosexual), spinster (a woman who spun thread and yarn; a woman who seems unlikely to marry) or naughty (to have nought; behaving badly).*
With currency being a vital factor in sourcing reference materials, how do we keep our dictionaries up-to-date with such limited budgets? The digital versions of reputable sources seems to be the answer. I realize through Reidling's text, and the various types of dictionaries available, that my library collection does not even include an unabridged copy. Reidling states, "Even in today's electronic environment, school libraries should have a minimum of one print unabridged, hardcover dictionary that will withstand frequent use." (p.63)
With currency, goes authority, and in this online world it is important to know if your information is accurate. I was very surprised to learn that the name 'Webster' is used without copyright to sell dictionaries! What a clever way to add prestige and authority to a publication. I never thought about the marketing manipulations of the dictionary world. It alerts me to be vigilant about all publications, as they are all in the business of making money and may not be credible.
(The original Webster.)
Along with dictionaries are ever-changing encyclopedias, biographies, directories and atlases. With all of the political and environmental movement on Earth, it seems near impossible to retain a print atlas that can be an accurate depiction, without becoming instantaneously historical. Reidling states, "A world atlas that is five years old portrays enough obsolete information to be considered only for historical purposes." (p.81) The atlases in my library are from this millenia, the most current is at least 9 years old. They are as current as my budget will allow. This continual change makes my job to keep print resources up-to-date, an impossible one. I aim to seek out funds to ensure my students have these resources. I will search out the most reputable and affordable online resources to buoy up my current reference section. I must embrace the endless change and work with the shifting tides.
To learn about how new words come into existence and appear in our descriptive dictionaries, check this out....
Danesi, Marcel. “Where do new words come from?” Youtube, TEDEd, September 7, 2017, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ytr28t5VzAs.*https://www.merriam-webster.com
Riedling, Ann Marlow, et al. "Reference Skills for the School Librarian". Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO, LLC. Print
Well done. A good reflection on your key learning and new awareness from Theme 2. Your specific discussion of the Webster dictionary, and how these reference resources have been evolving with our times was quite insightful. A good connection to the common things we all need to do better, and how we can work towards flexibility, adaptability, and evolving our space and roles. A few more connections to our key resources and texts from the class is always useful.
ReplyDeleteI always giggle when it comes to the use of dictionaries. When I was little I remember asking my dad "Hey dad how do you spell....." and he would always respond "look it up in the dictionary". What a ridiculous response. You need to know how to the spell in order to look something up in a dictionary. As such, I found these resources incredibly annoying as a child (most likely because I was a horrendous speller). "They are as current as my budget will allow." I appreciate this statement. Budget constraints certainly make it difficult to meet the "acceptable" designation when exploring these resources, and with how times are changing I agree that a digital version may be the best fit when budget gets in the way. Especially for poor schmucks like me, then at least we can use voice to text and look up how to spell a word that way. I was also taken aback when I read about the use of the name Webster. Sadly, Im not too surprised, capitalizing on the fact that most of the population is so over scheduled and rarely take time to really slow down and notice these things. I bet this is a good driver for profits. This is however, something I will be more mindful of going forward. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYour post and Ashlee's response made me think of something I've found myself doing lately... You know those words that you are pretty sure you know how to spell but you just can't get right? or not confident about the spelling? I definitely used to go find a dictionary - in fact there is big, well-used one beside my desk at the moment. But I find myself just picking up my phone and start writing the word in a text message box. I have accidently sent random words to my husband on more than one occasion.
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