Word by Word: The Secret Life of Dictionaries

Word by Word: The Secret Life of Dictionaries

Brimming with intelligence and personality, a vastly entertaining account of how dictionaries are madeâ€”a must read for word mavens.
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While most of us might take dictionaries for granted, the process of writing them is in fact as lively and dynamic as language itself. With sharp wit and irreverence, Kory Stamper cracks open the complex, obsessive world of lexicography--from the agonizing decisions about what and how to define, to the knotty questions of usage in an ever-changing language. She explains why small words are the most difficult to define (have you ever tried to define â€œisâ€?), how it can take nine months to define a single word, and how our biases about language and pronunciation can have tremendous social influence. Throughout, Stamper brings to life the hallowed halls (and highly idiosyncratic cubicles) of Merriam-Webster, a world inhabited by quirky, erudite individuals who quietly shape the way we communicate. A sure delight for all lovers of words, Word by Word might also quietly improve readersâ€™ grasp and use of the English language.
Country USA
Brand Pantheon
Manufacturer Pantheon
Binding Hardcover
ItemPartNumber FLPK9781101870945
Color Multicolor
ReleaseDate 2017-03-14
UnitCount 1
EANs 9781101870945

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