Jane Solomon

Jane Solomon is a lexicographer and linguist known for her work studying and documenting emerging language, especially in digital communication and emoji. She serves as a contributing editor for Dictionary.com and is a member of the Unicode Emoji Subcommittee, which helps select and standardize new emoji for use across digital platforms. Her book "The Dictionary of Difficult Words" (2019) introduces young readers to complex and unusual vocabulary through illustrated explanations. The work reflects her interest in making linguistics and word etymology accessible to broader audiences. Solomon regularly writes and speaks about language evolution, emoji, and digital communication. Her expertise spans both traditional lexicography and modern forms of communication, with particular focus on how language adapts to technological change. Her writing has appeared in various publications including Wired, The Atlantic, and Business Insider. She holds degrees in English and Linguistics from Swarthmore College and lives in Oakland, California.

Readers praise Jane Solomon's accessible approach to linguistics and vocabulary. "The Dictionary of Difficult Words" receives positive reviews from parents and educators who value its engaging illustrations and clear explanations for complex terms. Multiple Amazon reviewers note the book's success in making challenging words appealing to children ages 7-12. Liked: - Clear, child-friendly definitions - Colorful, appealing illustrations - Educational value for both children and adults - Balanced mix of common and rare vocabulary - Format encourages browsing and discovery Disliked: - Some readers wanted pronunciation guides - A few found the font size too small - Limited age range appeal Ratings: Amazon: 4.8/5 from 1,200+ reviews Goodreads: 4.4/5 from 800+ ratings "Perfect for word-loving kids" and "makes learning vocabulary fun" appear frequently in reviews. Teachers report successfully using it in classrooms, though some note it works better as a browsing book than a traditional dictionary. Very few negative reviews exist for Solomon's work. Her other writing, primarily in digital publications, receives minimal public reader feedback.

The Dictionary Story - An illustrated work detailing the adventures of the letter "I" as it moves through the dictionary meeting other letters and punctuation marks.

Reading the Dictionary: How I Learned to Love the Oxford English Dictionary - A memoir chronicling Solomon's experience reading the entire Oxford English Dictionary and exploring the historical significance of various words.

Gaston Dorren writes books about linguistics and the evolution of language, focusing on both modern and historic aspects. His works explore similar themes to Solomon's interest in how words emerge and change meaning.

Lynne Murphy examines differences between British and American English in her writings about language development. She analyzes the social and cultural forces that shape word usage across regions.

Mark Forsyth delves into etymology and the origins of common phrases through a historical lens. His books trace how words transform over time and acquire new meanings.

Arika Okrent writes about constructed languages, slang, and the ways new words enter common usage. She studies how internet culture and digital communication impact modern language development.

David Crystal focuses on the technical aspects of language evolution and change through time. His research covers grammar, phonetics, and the development of English globally.