What is Dictionarius and when was it written?

Dictionarius is a short work authored by Johannes de Garlandia, a medieval English grammarian, around the year 1200. It serves as an early example of a lexicon or word list.

Who was Johannes de Garlandia and what was his role in creating Dictionarius?

Johannes de Garlandia, also known as John of Garland, was a medieval English grammarian. He wrote Dictionarius specifically for his students at the University of Paris as an educational tool.

What was the primary purpose of Dictionarius?

The primary purpose of Dictionarius was to list the trades and tradesmen that students would encounter daily in the streets of Paris. It functioned as a practical vocabulary guide for understanding urban occupations.

In which city was the subject matter of Dictionarius observed and documented?

The subject matter of Dictionarius, which includes trades and tradesmen, was observed and documented in the streets of Paris, France. This provides a specific geographical and social context for the work.

What are interlinear glosses, as mentioned in relation to Dictionarius?

Interlinear glosses are explanatory notes or translations written between the lines of a text. In Dictionarius, these were provided in Old French to help students understand the Latin vocabulary.

What is the significance of Johannes de Garlandia's contribution to the English language through Dictionarius?

Johannes de Garlandia is thought to have invented the term 'dictionarius' for his work. This term is considered the origin of the modern English word 'dictionary' and similar words in many other languages.

How does Dictionarius relate to the etymology of the word 'dictionary'?

Dictionarius is directly related to the etymology of the word 'dictionary' because its author, Johannes de Garlandia, is credited with coining the term 'dictionarius,' which evolved into the modern word for a book of words and their meanings.

What does the inclusion of trades and tradesmen in Dictionarius suggest about its content?

The inclusion of trades and tradesmen in Dictionarius suggests that the work focused on practical, everyday vocabulary related to urban commerce and labor. It aimed to familiarize students with the occupations present in their environment.

What was the academic context in which Dictionarius was created?

Dictionarius was created within the academic context of the University of Paris, where Johannes de Garlandia taught. It served as a pedagogical tool for his students studying language and the world around them.

What does the description 'medieval English grammarian' tell us about Johannes de Garlandia?

The description 'medieval English grammarian' indicates that Johannes de Garlandia was a scholar from England who specialized in the study and teaching of grammar during the Middle Ages. His work at the University of Paris highlights his academic standing.

What historical period does Dictionarius help illuminate?

Dictionarius helps illuminate the historical period around the year 1200, offering insights into the urban life, commerce, and occupational landscape of Paris, France, during the High Middle Ages.

What is the broader linguistic impact of the term 'dictionarius'?

The term 'dictionarius,' believed to be invented by Johannes de Garlandia, has had a broad linguistic impact by serving as the source for the English word 'dictionary' and similar terms in numerous other modern languages, standardizing the nomenclature for word compilations.

What specific aspect of Parisian daily life does Dictionarius document?

Dictionarius documents the specific aspect of Parisian daily life related to its economic activities by cataloging the various trades and the people who practiced them. It provides a snapshot of the city's working population.

How did the structure of Dictionarius aid its intended audience?

The structure of Dictionarius, featuring Latin text with Old French interlinear glosses, aided its intended audience of students by providing immediate translations and explanations. This facilitated their learning of Latin vocabulary and concepts.

What does the bibliography associated with Dictionarius suggest about its scholarly reception?

The bibliography, listing various scholarly publications and studies related to Dictionarius and its author, suggests that the work has been a subject of academic interest and research over time, indicating its historical and linguistic significance.

What information is available through the external link provided for Dictionarius?

The external link provided for Dictionarius offers access to an online edition and translation of the work, specifically referencing the efforts of Barbara Blatt Rubin. This makes the text more accessible for study and research.

What type of vocabulary did Johannes de Garlandia focus on in Dictionarius?

Johannes de Garlandia focused on vocabulary related to the trades and tradesmen that were commonly observed in the streets of Paris. This indicates a practical orientation towards the language of everyday urban life and commerce.

What does the term 'short work' imply about Dictionarius?

The term 'short work' implies that Dictionarius is a concise piece of writing, likely focused on a specific topic or purpose without extensive elaboration. In this case, it's a focused list of vocabulary.

What role did the University of Paris play in the creation of Dictionarius?

The University of Paris served as the academic institution where Johannes de Garlandia taught and where his students, the intended audience for Dictionarius, were located. This context highlights the work's function as an educational resource in a major medieval center of learning.

Can Dictionarius be considered a precursor to modern dictionaries?

Yes, Dictionarius can be considered a precursor to modern dictionaries. Its role in originating the term 'dictionary' and its function as a structured list of words with explanations align with the fundamental purpose of contemporary dictionaries.

What does the bilingual nature of Dictionarius (Latin and Old French) suggest about its pedagogical approach?

The bilingual nature of Dictionarius, featuring Latin text with Old French glosses, suggests a pedagogical approach focused on language acquisition through comparison and direct translation. This method was effective for students learning Latin who were native speakers of Old French.

What specific historical context does Dictionarius provide regarding medieval Paris?

Dictionarius provides historical context regarding medieval Paris by cataloging the trades and tradesmen active in the city's streets. This offers a glimpse into the economic activities and social structure of Paris around the year 1200.

What is the primary contribution of Dictionarius to the history of lexicography?

The primary contribution of Dictionarius to the history of lexicography is its role in originating the term 'dictionary.' The term 'dictionarius,' coined by its author, became the foundation for the modern word used to describe word-compiling reference works.

How did Johannes de Garlandia's work influence the terminology used for reference books?

Johannes de Garlandia's work, Dictionarius, influenced terminology for reference books by introducing the term 'dictionarius,' which is the direct ancestor of the English word 'dictionary.' This established a lasting term for works that define words.

What specific type of knowledge did Johannes de Garlandia aim to impart to his students through Dictionarius?

Johannes de Garlandia aimed to impart knowledge of vocabulary related to the trades and tradesmen encountered in daily life. This focus on practical, occupational terms was intended to enhance his students' understanding of their urban environment.

What does the existence of multiple scholarly references in the bibliography imply about Dictionarius?

The existence of multiple scholarly references in the bibliography implies that Dictionarius has been a subject of sustained academic inquiry. Researchers have studied its content, linguistic significance, and historical context over time.

What does the phrase 'seen around them every day in the streets of Paris' tell us about the content of Dictionarius?

The phrase 'seen around them every day in the streets of Paris' tells us that the content of Dictionarius is grounded in the observable, everyday reality of urban life. It focused on common occupations and the people who performed them, making it a practical lexicon.

What is the significance of Dictionarius being written in Latin with Old French glosses for medieval education?

The significance of Dictionarius being written in Latin with Old French glosses for medieval education lies in its effectiveness as a language-learning tool. This bilingual format facilitated the acquisition of Latin vocabulary and grammar for students who spoke Old French.

How did the term 'dictionarius' spread to influence other modern languages?

The term 'dictionarius,' invented by Johannes de Garlandia, spread to influence other modern languages because it provided a foundational term for lexicographical works. Its utility and the prestige of the concept led to its adoption and adaptation in various linguistic contexts.

What specific contribution did Dictionarius make to the development of lexicographical practices?

Dictionarius made a specific contribution to the development of lexicographical practices by being one of the earliest works to systematically list and define terms, thereby originating the very concept and name for what we now call a dictionary.

Dictionarius Wiki: Dictionarius: The Genesis of the Dictionary

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

What is Dictionarius?

A Medieval Lexical Work

Dictionarius is a significant short work compiled around the year 1200 by the esteemed medieval English grammarian, Johannes de Garlandia (also known as John of Garland).^[1] This text was meticulously crafted for the educational benefit of his students at the renowned University of Paris.

A Glimpse into Parisian Life

The work provides a vivid snapshot of the daily urban environment, cataloging the various trades and tradespeople that were commonly observed by students in the streets of Paris, France.^[1] It serves as an invaluable historical document, offering insight into the socio-economic fabric of the city during that era.

Linguistic Structure

Written primarily in Latin, Dictionarius features interlinear glosses in Old French. This bilingual approach facilitated language learning for students, bridging the gap between classical Latin and the vernacular French spoken in Paris at the time.^[1]

The Author: Johannes de Garlandia

A Scholar of the Middle Ages

Johannes de Garlandia was a prominent English grammarian and scholastic philosopher active in the early 13th century. His academic career was centered at the University of Paris, a leading intellectual hub of medieval Europe.^[1]

Pedagogical Contributions

Garlandia's pedagogical approach involved creating practical learning tools for his students. Dictionarius exemplifies this, providing a structured vocabulary list relevant to their everyday experiences in Paris. His work reflects the scholastic method of the period, emphasizing clarity and utility in educational materials.^[1]

The Parisian Context

Urban Life Circa 1200

Around the year 1200, Paris was a burgeoning center of commerce, culture, and learning. The streets teemed with artisans, merchants, and various tradespeople, each contributing to the city's vibrant economy. Johannes de Garlandia's Dictionarius captures this dynamic environment by listing these professions, providing students with a vocabulary to describe their surroundings.^[1]

Language in Medieval Paris

The linguistic landscape of Paris at this time was a blend of Latin, the scholarly language, and Old French, the vernacular. The interlinear glosses in Dictionarius demonstrate this linguistic interplay, aiding students in understanding and using both languages effectively.^[1]

Linguistic Legacy

The Birth of the Term

Johannes de Garlandia is widely credited with coining the term dictionarius. This innovation is profoundly significant as it is considered the direct etymological source for the English word dictionary and similar terms found in many other modern languages.^[1]

Shaping Lexicography

The structure and purpose of Dictionarius—listing terms related to everyday life and providing translations—laid groundwork for the development of dictionaries as we know them. It represents an early effort to systematically organize and define vocabulary, a cornerstone of modern lexicography.^[1]

Bibliography & Sources

Key References

This section details the primary sources and scholarly works related to Dictionarius and Johannes de Garlandia:

P. H. J. F. Géraud, Paris sous Philippe-le-Bel, d'après des documents originaux (Paris: Crapelet, 1837) pp. 580–612.
T. Hunt, "Vernacular glosses in medieval manuscripts" in CN vol. 39 (1979) pp. 9–37.
T. Hunt, Teaching and learning Latin in thirteenth-century England. 3 vols. Cambridge: Brewer, 1991.
Frédérique Lachaud, "La première description des métiers de Paris: le Dictionarius de Jean de Garlande (vers 1220–1230)" in Espaces, acteurs et structures de la consommation en milieu urbain au Moyen Âge (special issue of Revue d’Histoire Urbaine, 2006).
B. B. Rubin, The Dictionarius of John de Garlande and the Author's Commentary translated into English and annotated by Barbara Blatt Rubin. Lawrence, KS: Coronado Press, 1981.
A. Scheler, "Trois traités de lexicographie latine du XIIe et du XIIIe siècle" in Jahrbuch für Romanische und Englische Literatur vol. 6 (1865) pp. 43–59, 142–162, 287–321, 370–379; vol. 7 pp. 58–74, 155–173; vol. 8, pp. 75–93, 142–162.
Thomas Wright, A Volume of Vocabularies (London: Joseph Mayer, 1857) pp. 120–138.

Online Resource:

Rubin edition and translation available online. (opens in new tab)

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Dictionarius" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about dictionarius while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

supercars championship

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Dictionarius Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional historical, linguistic, or academic consultation. Always refer to primary sources and consult with qualified experts for specific research needs. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Dictionarius: The Genesis of the Dictionary

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

What is Dictionarius? 📖

📜 A Medieval Lexical Work

🏙️ A Glimpse into Parisian Life

📚 Linguistic Structure

The Author: Johannes de Garlandia 👨‍🏫

🎓 A Scholar of the Middle Ages

✍️ Pedagogical Contributions

The Parisian Context 🏛️

🌍 Urban Life Circa 1200

🗣️ Language in Medieval Paris

Linguistic Legacy 🗣️

💡 The Birth of the Term

➡️ Shaping Lexicography

Bibliography & Sources 📚

📄 Key References

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

What is Dictionarius?

A Medieval Lexical Work

A Glimpse into Parisian Life

Linguistic Structure

The Author: Johannes de Garlandia

A Scholar of the Middle Ages

Pedagogical Contributions

The Parisian Context

Urban Life Circa 1200

Language in Medieval Paris

Linguistic Legacy

The Birth of the Term

Shaping Lexicography

Bibliography & Sources

Key References

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice