By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
October 16 was National Dictionary Day.
Are you a word lover? Next to coffee and shoes, words are my favorite obsession. I value learning their meanings, how to spell them, and use them.
Words are my addiction
I can be who I want to be
From a queen to a knight
To an owl in flight.
Imagination is my key.
Research about National Dictionary Day provided insight and interesting information about Noah Webster. He’s American born and a promoter of correct spelling. He published his first dictionary in 1806, and we celebrate his contribution to the English language on October 16, his birthday. In 1807 he embarked upon establishing a comprehensive (I can barely spell it) dictionary that took him twenty-seven years to complete. In the process, he learned twenty-six languages. I’m impressed!
Webster has been called the “Father of American Scholarship and Education.”
Among his many quotes, I value this one: “The Bible must be considered as the great source of all the truth by which men are to be guided in government as well as in all social transactions.”
We’ve been adding to his dictionary ever since. In February 2017, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary added 1,000 new words. Many of these are contemporary new words and meanings.
Today is the day we can increase our vocabulary. Learn a new word and its meaning, or dive into a game of Scrabble.
How will you celebrate National Dictionary Day this week?
DiAnn’s Library Corner
Librarian – Today features Noah Webster as the creator of our dictionary. Have you created a display of your many dictionaries?
