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The earliest recorded dictionaries were found on cuneiform tablets from Sumerian times around 2300 BCE.
Answer: True
Archaeological findings indicate that the earliest known lexicographical records, in the form of bilingual dictionaries on cuneiform tablets, date back to Sumerian civilization around 2300 BCE.
John of Garland coined the word "dictionary" in the 15th century to describe a book aiding in understanding French.
Answer: False
John of Garland, an English scholar, coined the term 'dictionary' in the early 13th century (circa 1220) for his Latin-French glossary, not in the 15th century for French.
The *Erya* is considered the earliest surviving monolingual dictionary.
Answer: True
The *Erya*, a Chinese work dating to approximately the 3rd century BCE, is recognized as the earliest extant monolingual dictionary.
The Urra=hubullu glossary is recognized as the canonical Babylonian version of bilingual Sumerian wordlists.
Answer: True
The Urra=hubullu glossary, originating from the early 2nd millennium BCE, is indeed recognized as the definitive Babylonian compilation of bilingual Sumerian wordlists.
Which of the following best defines a dictionary's fundamental purpose according to the source?
Answer: To list lexemes, typically alphabetically, with information like definitions and usage examples.
The fundamental purpose of a dictionary is to serve as a comprehensive reference work that lists words (lexemes), usually in alphabetical order, providing essential information such as definitions, usage examples, and pronunciation.
According to the text, what was the earliest form of recorded dictionaries?
Answer: Bilingual cuneiform tablets from Sumerian times.
The earliest recorded dictionaries discovered are bilingual lists on cuneiform tablets dating from Sumerian times, approximately 2300 BCE.
Who is credited with coining the term "dictionary" in the early 13th century?
Answer: John of Garland
John of Garland, an English scholar, is credited with coining the term 'dictionary' around 1220 for his work intended to aid in understanding Latin.
Robert Cawdrey's *A Table Alphabeticall* (1604) is recognized as the first purely English alphabetical dictionary.
Answer: True
Robert Cawdrey's *A Table Alphabeticall*, published in 1604, is indeed recognized as the first purely English dictionary organized alphabetically.
Samuel Johnson's *A Dictionary of the English Language* (1755) is widely acknowledged as the very first English dictionary ever published.
Answer: False
While Samuel Johnson's dictionary was highly influential and comprehensive, it was not the first English dictionary published. Robert Cawdrey's *A Table Alphabeticall* predates it by over a century.
Noah Webster's dictionary helped establish a distinct American linguistic identity by including Americanisms and reforming spellings.
Answer: True
Noah Webster's *An American Dictionary of the English Language* (1828) played a crucial role in standardizing American English by incorporating distinct American vocabulary and advocating for spelling reforms.
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) was completed in its first edition in 1928 and is regularly updated.
Answer: True
The first edition of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) was indeed completed in 1928, and it continues to be regularly updated to reflect the evolution of the English language.
What significant contribution did Robert Cawdrey make to English lexicography in 1604?
Answer: Compiled the first purely English alphabetical dictionary.
In 1604, Robert Cawdrey published *A Table Alphabeticall*, recognized as the first purely English dictionary organized in alphabetical order.
Samuel Johnson's *A Dictionary of the English Language* (1755) is significant because it:
Answer: Is often mistakenly thought to be the first English dictionary due to its legacy.
Samuel Johnson's 1755 dictionary is significant for its comprehensive scope, rigorous methodology, and lasting influence, leading many to mistakenly believe it was the very first English dictionary.
How did Noah Webster's *An American Dictionary of the English Language* (1828) influence American English?
Answer: By introducing spelling reforms and distinctively American words.
Noah Webster's dictionary significantly shaped American English by standardizing spellings (e.g., 'color' instead of 'colour') and incorporating uniquely American vocabulary, thereby fostering a distinct national linguistic identity.
Which major dictionary project began with fascicles in 1884 and published its first complete edition in 1928?
Answer: The Oxford English Dictionary (OED)
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) commenced publication in fascicles in 1884, culminating in its first complete edition in 1928, representing a monumental achievement in historical lexicography.
What does the source imply about the relationship between Samuel Johnson's dictionary and earlier English dictionaries?
Answer: It was highly influential but not the absolute first English dictionary.
The source implies that while Samuel Johnson's dictionary was profoundly influential and comprehensive, it followed earlier English lexicographical efforts, such as Robert Cawdrey's work.
The *Concise Oxford English Dictionary* is described as:
Answer: An abridged version of the comprehensive OED, offering accessibility.
The *Concise Oxford English Dictionary* is presented as an abridged edition of the larger OED, making its extensive vocabulary more accessible to a broader readership.
The *Kitab al-'Ayn* is considered the first dictionary of the Arabic language.
Answer: True
The *Kitab al-'Ayn*, compiled by Al-Khalil ibn Ahmad al-Farahidi in the 8th century CE, is widely regarded as the inaugural dictionary of the Arabic language.
The *Divan-u Lügat'it Türk* was compiled to teach Arabic to Turkic Muslims.
Answer: False
The *Divan-u Lügât'it Türk*, compiled by Mahmud al-Kashgari, served the purpose of teaching the Turkic language to non-Turkic Muslims, particularly Arabs, not the other way around.
The *Vocabolario degli Accademici della Crusca* (1612) served as a model for dictionary projects in French and English.
Answer: True
The Italian *Vocabolario degli Accademici della Crusca*, published in 1612, was highly influential and provided a foundational model for subsequent dictionary projects in both French and English.
The *Dictionnaire de l'Académie française* was first published in the 18th century.
Answer: False
The *Dictionnaire de l'Académie française* was first published in the 17th century, specifically in 1694, marking an early effort by an official academy to standardize a national language.
The Brothers Grimm initiated the creation of the *Deutsches Wörterbuch* (German Dictionary).
Answer: True
The monumental task of creating the *Deutsches Wörterbuch* (German Dictionary) was initiated by the esteemed Brothers Grimm.
The Duden dictionary is primarily known for its descriptive approach to German orthography.
Answer: False
The Duden dictionary is primarily recognized for its role as the prescriptive authority on German orthography, guiding correct spelling and usage rather than merely describing existing practices.
The *Catholicon* (1287) was a significant work that served as the basis for several bilingual dictionaries and was among the first printed books.
Answer: True
Johannes Balbus's *Catholicon* (1287) was a substantial Latin grammar and lexicon that influenced subsequent bilingual dictionaries and was notably among the earliest books to be printed, contributing to knowledge dissemination.
The *Lisan al-'Arab* is noted as the first handy Arabic dictionary containing only words and definitions.
Answer: False
The *al-Qamus al-Muhit* is noted as the first handy Arabic dictionary containing only words and definitions. The *Lisan al-'Arab*, while significant, is known for its comprehensive nature and inclusion of supporting material.
Which historical dictionary is noted as the first for the Arabic language?
Answer: Kitab al-'Ayn
The *Kitab al-'Ayn*, compiled by Al-Khalil ibn Ahmad al-Farahidi, is considered the first dictionary of the Arabic language.
The *Divan-u Lügat'it Türk* served what primary purpose?
Answer: To teach the Turkic language to non-Turkic Muslims.
Compiled by Mahmud al-Kashgari, the *Divan-u Lügât'it Türk* aimed to educate non-Turkic Muslims, particularly Arabs, in the Turkic language.
What influence did the Italian *Vocabolario degli Accademici della Crusca* (1612) have?
Answer: It became the standard for French and English dictionary projects.
The Italian *Vocabolario degli Accademici della Crusca* was highly influential and provided a foundational model for subsequent dictionary projects in both French and English.
The *Dictionnaire de l'Académie française*, first published in 1694, is notable for:
Answer: Being an early effort by an official academy to standardize a national language.
The *Dictionnaire de l'Académie française*, first published in 1694, is notable for being one of the earliest systematic attempts by a national academy to standardize the vocabulary and usage of a modern European language.
The Brothers Grimm are associated with the initiation of which major dictionary project?
Answer: The Deutsches Wörterbuch
The Brothers Grimm initiated the ambitious project of compiling the *Deutsches Wörterbuch* (German Dictionary), a comprehensive historical lexicon of the German language.
What role does the Duden dictionary play in the German language?
Answer: It functions as the prescriptive authority for German spelling and usage.
The Duden dictionary serves as the primary prescriptive authority for German orthography, establishing standards for spelling, grammar, and word usage.
The *Catholicon* (1287) by Johannes Balbus is significant because it:
Answer: Served as a basis for bilingual dictionaries and was among the first printed books.
Johannes Balbus's *Catholicon* was significant for influencing bilingual dictionaries and being one of the earliest printed books, contributing to knowledge dissemination.
The *al-Qamus al-Muhit* is noted in Arabic lexicography primarily for being:
Answer: The first handy Arabic dictionary containing only words and definitions.
The *al-Qamus al-Muhit* is recognized in Arabic lexicography as the first concise dictionary that focused solely on presenting words and their definitions.
A dictionary is exclusively a reference work listing words alphabetically with their definitions.
Answer: False
While dictionaries typically list words alphabetically with definitions, the term 'exclusively' is inaccurate. Some dictionaries may utilize different organizational principles (e.g., root-based for Semitic languages) or incorporate additional information beyond basic definitions.
Semasiological dictionaries map concepts to the words used for them.
Answer: False
This statement accurately describes onomasiological dictionaries. Semasiological dictionaries, conversely, begin with a word and provide its definitions and related information.
Prescriptive dictionaries aim to document language as it is actually used by speakers.
Answer: False
Prescriptive dictionaries aim to guide correct language usage according to established norms, whereas descriptive dictionaries document language as it is actually used by speakers.
Specialized dictionaries are typically semasiological, mapping words to definitions.
Answer: False
While general dictionaries are predominantly semasiological (word-to-definition), specialized dictionaries often employ an onomasiological approach (concept-to-word) to cater to specific subject domains.
General dictionaries are theoretically onomasiological, focusing on concepts first.
Answer: False
General dictionaries are typically semasiological, mapping words to their definitions. Onomasiological dictionaries are the ones that focus on concepts first.
How are words most commonly organized in dictionaries for languages like English?
Answer: Alphabetically.
In most dictionaries for languages such as English, words are conventionally organized in alphabetical order for ease of access and reference.
What is the primary distinction between general and specialized dictionaries?
Answer: General dictionaries cover a wide range of words, while specialized ones focus on specific subject fields.
The primary distinction lies in scope: general dictionaries encompass a broad spectrum of vocabulary, whereas specialized dictionaries concentrate on the terminology pertinent to particular academic or professional fields.
Which type of dictionary maps concepts first and then lists the terms used for them?
Answer: Onomasiological dictionary
An onomasiological dictionary is structured to first identify concepts and then provide the terms associated with those concepts, facilitating retrieval based on meaning.
What is the primary difference in philosophy between prescriptive and descriptive dictionaries?
Answer: Prescriptive dictionaries guide correct usage, descriptive ones record actual usage.
Prescriptive dictionaries dictate how language *should* be used, enforcing standards, while descriptive dictionaries document how language *is* used by its speakers.
What is the theoretical distinction between general and specialized dictionaries regarding their approach to words?
Answer: General dictionaries map words to definitions (semasiological); specialized dictionaries map concepts to terms (onomasiological).
The theoretical distinction posits that general dictionaries are semasiological (word-to-definition), while specialized dictionaries are onomasiological (concept-to-term), although practice often blends these approaches.
For languages like English, where spelling doesn't always match pronunciation, dictionaries often provide:
Answer: Pronunciation guides using systems like IPA or specific respellings.
To address the discrepancies between spelling and pronunciation in languages like English, dictionaries commonly include pronunciation guides, utilizing systems such as the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) or phonetic respelling.
The American Heritage Dictionary was the first to use corpus linguistics in its compilation, starting in 1969.
Answer: True
The American Heritage Dictionary is noted for being the first dictionary to employ corpus linguistics in its compilation process, beginning in 1969.
Dictionaries designed for Natural Language Processing (NLP) are primarily intended for direct human reading and comprehension.
Answer: False
Dictionaries designed for Natural Language Processing (NLP) are structured for computational analysis and are not primarily intended for direct human reading; they often feature complex data structures and machine-readable formats.
A thesaurus is a type of dictionary that lists words based on their rhyming sounds.
Answer: False
A thesaurus is a reference work that lists words grouped by similarity of meaning (synonyms and antonyms), not by rhyming sounds. A rhyming dictionary serves that specific purpose.
A glossary is an alphabetical list of defined terms specific to a specialized field, like medicine.
Answer: True
This accurately describes a glossary: an alphabetical compilation of terms pertinent to a specific domain, such as medical terminology, providing definitions for clarity.
A reverse dictionary, also known as a conceptual dictionary, organizes words alphabetically.
Answer: False
Reverse or conceptual dictionaries organize words based on their meaning or concept, rather than alphabetically. This structure facilitates finding words associated with a particular idea.
Usage notes in modern dictionaries primarily provide etymological information about words.
Answer: False
Usage notes in contemporary dictionaries typically offer guidance on word choice, appropriateness, potential confusions, and common errors, rather than focusing primarily on etymology.
A learner's dictionary uses complex vocabulary and assumes native-like fluency for its users.
Answer: False
Learner's dictionaries are specifically designed for language acquisition, employing simplified vocabulary in definitions and providing extensive examples to aid non-native speakers, rather than assuming native fluency.
Visual dictionaries primarily rely on textual descriptions to convey word meanings.
Answer: False
Visual dictionaries prioritize illustrations and images to convey word meanings, making them particularly effective for concrete nouns and for visual learners.
Ghil'ad Zuckermann criticized the Oxford English-Hebrew Dictionary for having a consistently prescriptive approach to both definitions and pronunciation.
Answer: False
Ghil'ad Zuckermann's critique of the Oxford English-Hebrew Dictionary highlighted an internal conflict: its definitions were descriptive, while its vocalization (pronunciation) was prescriptive, leading to potential linguistic inconsistencies.
The innovation introduced by *The American Heritage Dictionary* in 1969 was the use of:
Answer: Corpus linguistics in compilation.
In 1969, *The American Heritage Dictionary* pioneered the use of corpus linguistics in dictionary compilation, analyzing large text collections to inform definitions and usage.
What is the main purpose of a rhyming dictionary?
Answer: To assist users in finding words that rhyme.
A rhyming dictionary is a specialized tool designed to help users, such as poets and songwriters, locate words that share similar end sounds.
How does a visual dictionary differ from a traditional dictionary?
Answer: It presents words and meanings primarily through illustrations and images.
Visual dictionaries distinguish themselves by employing illustrations and images as the primary means of conveying word meanings, offering a visually-oriented approach to vocabulary.
What is the primary goal of a learner's dictionary?
Answer: To assist individuals learning a language as a second or foreign language.
The primary objective of a learner's dictionary is to support individuals acquiring a new language, providing accessible definitions, examples, and grammatical information.
According to Ghil'ad Zuckermann, what internal conflict exists within the Oxford English-Hebrew Dictionary?
Answer: Its definitions and coverage are descriptive, but its vocalization is prescriptive.
Ghil'ad Zuckermann identified a conflict in the Oxford English-Hebrew Dictionary where its lexical content is descriptive, but its pronunciation guides (vocalization) are prescriptive, creating an inconsistency.
What do "usage notes" typically provide in modern dictionaries?
Answer: Guidance on word choice, appropriateness, and potential confusion.
Usage notes in contemporary dictionaries offer guidance on selecting appropriate words, addressing potential confusions, and highlighting nuances of meaning and register.
Which of the following is mentioned as an "other type" of dictionary besides general and specialized ones?
Answer: Bilingual dictionaries
The text mentions various dictionary types beyond general and specialized categories, including bilingual dictionaries, which focus on translation between languages.
What is the primary function of a glossary within a specialized field?
Answer: To offer a focused reference for technical vocabulary.
A glossary serves as a focused alphabetical list of defined terms specific to a specialized field, providing essential clarification for technical vocabulary.
How do dictionaries for Natural Language Processing (NLP) typically differ from traditional dictionaries for human users?
Answer: They are designed for computer programs and often have complex network structures.
NLP dictionaries are engineered for machine processing, often featuring intricate network structures and data formats optimized for computational tasks, unlike dictionaries intended for direct human consultation.
Which dictionary is known for its detailed "usage notes" discussing word choice and appropriateness?
Answer: The American Heritage Dictionary
The American Heritage Dictionary is particularly noted for its extensive 'usage notes,' which provide valuable guidance on word choice, appropriateness, and potential linguistic pitfalls.
What is the main characteristic of a "defining dictionary"?
Answer: It offers a core glossary of the most basic meanings of fundamental concepts.
A defining dictionary is characterized by its focus on providing a fundamental glossary of essential meanings for core concepts, often serving as an introductory resource.