Words of the World: A Global History of the Oxford English Dictionary

Words of the World examines the creation and evolution of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), with a focus on its treatment of words from global sources. Through analysis of archival materials and historical records, Ogilvie investigates the dictionary's relationship with loanwords and terms from outside Britain. The book traces key figures involved in the OED's development across different time periods and editorial regimes. Ogilvie presents data about word inclusion patterns and documents the changing policies regarding foreign vocabulary over the dictionary's history. Historical context shapes the narrative, connecting the OED's editorial decisions to broader cultural forces in British society and academia. The research draws on correspondence, meeting minutes, and other primary sources to reconstruct the complex process of defining the English lexicon. This linguistic history reveals tensions between nationalist and internationalist approaches to language, while raising questions about power, authority, and the boundaries of English. The work contributes to ongoing debates about linguistic diversity and the role of major reference works in shaping cultural understanding.

Readers value this book's detailed research into how the Oxford English Dictionary documented words from non-English languages. Reviewers note it corrects misconceptions about former OED editor James Murray's openness to including foreign terms. Readers appreciate: - Clear explanation of the OED's evolving policies on loanwords - Insight into dictionary-making processes - Academic rigor balanced with accessibility Common criticisms: - Writing can be dry and technical - Some sections feel repetitive - Limited appeal beyond linguistics enthusiasts Online Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (21 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (6 ratings) As one Goodreads reviewer notes: "A scholarly but readable account of how the OED has handled words from other languages." An Amazon reviewer writes: "Important historical clarification of Murray's actual views on foreign terms, though the statistical analysis sections may lose general readers." Reviews indicate this book serves academics and serious language enthusiasts rather than casual readers.

The Story of Ain't by David Skinner This history of Webster's Third Dictionary chronicles the controversy and cultural impact of including informal language in a mainstream American dictionary.

The Meaning of Everything by Simon Winchester This account details the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary through the stories of its original editors, contributors, and the immense organizational feat behind its compilation.

The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester The true story reveals the relationship between the Oxford English Dictionary's editor and one of its most prolific contributors, who was writing from an asylum for the criminally insane.

The Dictionary Wars by Peter Martin This work examines the fierce nineteenth-century battles between American dictionary makers over language standardization and national identity.

Reading the OED by Ammon Shea A former street furniture dealer's documentation of reading the entire Oxford English Dictionary provides insights into the history and evolution of English words.

🔍 The OED's earliest non-British lexicographer was James A.H. Murray's daughter Elsie, who documented words from exotic locations while traveling as a missionary in Spain and India. 📚 Despite popular belief that the OED was Anglo-centric, nearly 40% of the dictionary's early editors and contributors were non-British, including scholars from China, Japan, and Syria. ✍️ Sarah Ogilvie herself worked as an editor for the Oxford English Dictionary, giving her unique insider knowledge of the dictionary's processes and history. 🌏 During the compilation of the first edition (1879-1928), the dictionary actively sought out "loanwords" from 350 different languages around the world. 📖 The book challenges the widely held view that former OED editor Robert Burchfield deliberately removed foreign-derived words from the dictionary, showing instead that he actually increased their inclusion.