October 2009

Language Links

October 16 is Dictionary Day, in honor of lexicographer Noah Webster, who was born October 16, 1758. Webster's 19th century dictionaries helped establish the notion of American English. Two centuries later, dictionaries are a part of American life. Celebrate Dictionary Day with a look at two very unusual and engaging modern sorts of dictionaries.

Merriam-Webster's own Visual Dictionary is available for free online at http://visual.merriam-webster.com/. It can change the way you think about reference: you have to organize your thoughts according to domains of knowledge (such as Sports & Games, Food & Kitchen, or Animal Kingdom) and then narrow your search to the specific object you seek.

For a more contemplative and strictly verbal approach, check out the picture painted at www.visuwords.com. This near-dictionary – built on Princeton University’s trademarked Wordnet – puts words in a visual setting, showing derivations, participles, and associations between words. It's endlessly fascinating for word lovers.