02254cam a22003133u 4500 5430 UtSlPG 20260610133138.0 m cr n 260607r2004||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 PE Johnson, Samuel, 1709-1784 Preface to a Dictionary of the English Language Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2004 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Release date is 2004-04-01 Steve Harris, Charles Franks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team "Preface to a Dictionary of the English Language" by Samuel Johnson is a foundational piece in the lexicographical field, written during the 18th century. This work serves as an introduction to Johnson's ambitious project of creating a comprehensive dictionary, devoted to the exploration and organization of the English language. The preface outlines the challenges and philosophical considerations of defining a language that is both rich and changing over time. In this preface, Johnson reflects on the lexicographer's plight, detailing the arduous task of cataloging words in a language as vibrant and chaotic as English. He discusses the historical roots and evolving nature of words, the complexities of orthography and pronunciation, and the interplay between various linguistic influences, notably Latin and Teutonic languages. Throughout, he emphasizes the necessity of maintaining stability in language while recognizing that change is inherent to living tongues. Johnson articulates his vision for the dictionary as a cumulative effort that balances reverence for tradition with the realities of linguistic evolution, ultimately aiming to create a resource that would meet the communicative needs of English speakers and scholars. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified English language -- Dictionaries Lexicology https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/5430 47461 47461