John Kersey's Dictionaries

Definition

John Kersey's dictionaries refer to a series of English dictionaries published by Kersey in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, notably his 'Dictionarium Anglo-Britannicum' (1708). These works contributed to the standardization of the English language during a time when spelling, usage, and vocabulary were highly inconsistent. Kersey's dictionaries aimed to provide clear definitions and facilitate the use of a standardized English language in literature, education, and everyday communication.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Kersey's 'Dictionarium Anglo-Britannicum' was one of the first dictionaries to include both English and Latin definitions, reflecting the educational needs of the time.
2. Kersey emphasized the importance of providing clear definitions for words that were commonly used in both spoken and written English.
3. His dictionaries played a significant role in promoting literacy and education, as they served as important reference tools for scholars and the general public.
4. Kersey's work came during a time when English was evolving rapidly due to social and political changes, making standardization crucial for effective communication.
5. The influence of Kersey's dictionaries can be seen in later lexicographical works, as they laid the groundwork for more comprehensive dictionaries, including those by Samuel Johnson.

Review Questions

• How did John Kersey's dictionaries contribute to the standardization of the English language during the 18th century?
  • John Kersey's dictionaries played a vital role in the standardization of the English language by providing clear and consistent definitions at a time when spelling and usage varied widely. His dictionaries served as reference tools that helped both scholars and everyday users adopt standardized forms of English. This push for uniformity was crucial in promoting effective communication across various domains such as literature and education.
• What features distinguish John Kersey's dictionaries from other contemporary lexicographical works, and how did they impact literacy?
  • One distinguishing feature of John Kersey's dictionaries is their inclusion of both English and Latin definitions, which catered to educational institutions focused on classical languages. Additionally, Kersey placed an emphasis on clarity in definitions, making his work accessible to a broader audience. This accessibility helped increase literacy rates as people from various backgrounds could use his dictionaries to improve their understanding of the language.
• Evaluate the long-term significance of John Kersey's contributions to lexicography and their influence on subsequent dictionary publications.
  • John Kersey's contributions to lexicography are significant because they established foundational principles for dictionary-making that influenced later works, particularly Samuel Johnson's dictionary published in 1755. By focusing on clear definitions and standardized usage, Kersey set a precedent that prioritized user accessibility. The enduring impact of his work can be seen in how modern dictionaries are structured, reflecting ongoing efforts to promote clarity and consistency in language usage.

Related terms

Standardization: The process of establishing and enforcing norms or criteria within a language to ensure consistency and clarity in communication.

Samuel Johnson: An influential lexicographer who published 'A Dictionary of the English Language' in 1755, furthering the standardization efforts initiated by earlier dictionaries like Kersey's.

Lexicography: The art or craft of compiling dictionaries, which includes defining words and documenting their usage within a language.