Mary Allen
Introduction: Who Authored the First American Dictionary?
The dictionary is one of the most important reference works in the English language. It is used to define words, provide pronunciations, and offer guidance on spelling and usage. The first American dictionary, which was published in 1828, was a monumental achievement that helped to establish American English as a distinct form of the language. This article explores the life and work of Noah Webster, the man who authored the first American dictionary.
The Early Years of American English
In the early years of American English, there was no standardized spelling or pronunciation. People spelled words and pronounced them according to their own local dialects and customs. This made it difficult for Americans to communicate with one another and with people in other English-speaking countries. It also made it difficult for American writers to establish a distinct national literature. Noah Webster recognized the need for a standardized form of American English that would be widely understood and accepted. He believed that a dictionary was the key to achieving this goal.
Noah Webster’s Early Life
Noah Webster was born in West Hartford, Connecticut, in 1758. He grew up during the American Revolution and was influenced by the ideas of the Founding Fathers. He attended Yale University and became a teacher, lawyer, and editor. He was a passionate advocate of American independence, and he believed that language was an important part of national identity. He began working on a dictionary in the 1780s, and he spent the rest of his life refining and expanding it.
Webster’s Influence on American Education
Webster was also a pioneer in the field of education. He believed that schools should teach children to read, write, and speak English correctly, and he wrote many textbooks and educational works. He was a strong advocate of public education and believed that it was essential for American democracy. He also believed that education should be secular and should not promote any particular religious beliefs.
Webster’s First Attempt at a Dictionary
Webster’s first attempt at a dictionary was published in 1806. It was called “A Compendious Dictionary of the English Language” and contained about 37,000 words. It was not very successful, but it served as a foundation for his later work. Webster continued to study language and to refine his ideas about spelling and pronunciation. He believed that American English should be simplified and standardized, and he introduced many new spellings and pronunciations in his dictionary.
The Publication of the First American Dictionary
The first American dictionary, which was published in 1828, was a monumental achievement. It contained more than 70,000 words, and it was the first dictionary to be based on American usage and pronunciation. It was also the first dictionary to include definitions of American words and phrases, such as “hickory,” “skunk,” and “squash.” The dictionary was an immediate success, and it helped to establish Webster as one of the most important figures in American culture.
Reception and Criticism
The first American dictionary was generally well-received, but it also received some criticism. Some people thought that Webster’s spellings and pronunciations were too radical, and they accused him of trying to impose his own ideas on the language. Others criticized the dictionary for being too American and not inclusive enough of British English. Despite these criticisms, the dictionary was widely used and admired.
Webster’s Later Years and Legacy
Webster continued to work on his dictionary until his death in 1843. He also wrote many other books and articles, and he remained a prominent figure in American culture until the end of his life. His dictionary had a profound influence on American English and on American culture more broadly. It helped to establish a distinct form of American English, and it also helped to promote the idea of American national identity. Webster’s legacy continues to be felt today in the many dictionaries that are based on his work.
The Evolution of the American Dictionary
Since the publication of the first American dictionary, dictionaries have continued to evolve and change. They have become more comprehensive, more inclusive, and more responsive to changes in language and usage. Modern-day dictionaries are available in many formats, including online and mobile versions, and they offer a wealth of information and resources to users.
Modern-Day Dictionaries: A Comparison
Modern-day dictionaries are much larger and more comprehensive than the first American dictionary. They include many more words and phrases, and they provide more detailed information on spelling, pronunciation, and usage. They also include features such as audio pronunciations, etymologies, and example sentences. Some modern dictionaries are based on corpus linguistics, which uses computer analysis to identify patterns in language usage.
Conclusion: An Enduring Contribution to American Culture
Noah Webster’s first American dictionary was a landmark achievement that helped to establish American English as a distinct form of the language. It reflected Webster’s belief in the importance of language and education in shaping national identity. The impact of Webster’s work can still be felt today in the many dictionaries that are based on his ideas and in the widespread use of American English around the world. Webster’s dictionary remains an enduring contribution to American culture and to the English language more broadly.
References and Further Reading
- McKeown, A. M. (1997). Webster’s American Dictionary: The Making of a National Treasure. Smithsonian Magazine, 28(1), 102.
- Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Noah Webster: Father of the American Dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/about-us/noah-webster
- Metcalf, A. (2001). America in So Many Words: Words That Have Shaped America. Houghton Mifflin.
- Skinner, D. (1990). Noah Webster, “Philosopher of Words”. University of Chicago Press.