Лекція 9

What Are Regional and Dialect Dictionaries?

Regional Dictionaries:

• Purpose: They list and define words used in specific areas within a country.
• Example: Words unique to Scotland or the United States.

Dialect Dictionaries:

• Purpose: They focus on the unique vocabulary and phrases used in particular
dialects, which can be specific to regions, social groups, or even individual villages.
• Example: Words used by Hutsuls (a Ukrainian ethnic group) or specific to a small
Ukrainian village.

Historical Development in English

1. Early Efforts (17th Century):

• John Ray: Created lists of words used in the north and south of England.
• Thomas Ruddiman: Made a glossary linked to the Scottish translation of the
Aeneid, combining regional and historical perspectives.

2. First Major Regional Dictionaries:

• Noah Webster: Published An American Dictionary of the English Language,
treating American English as distinct from British English.
• Hobson-Jobson (1886): Focused on Anglo-Indian terms used in India during
British rule.
• Other Examples: Australian English (1898) and Africanerisms (1913) documented
unique words from Australia and Africa, respectively.

3. Approaches to Creating Regional Dictionaries:

• Associationalist Approach: Includes words commonly used in a region, even if
they’re used elsewhere too. For example: Dictionary of Canadianisms includes words
characteristic of Canadian life.
• Etymological Approach: Only includes words that originated in a specific region.
Foe example: Dictionary of Americanisms only lists words that started in the USA.
• Loanword Approach: Focuses on words borrowed from other languages into a
region’s dialect. For example: Dictionary of Africanisms lists English words borrowed
from African languages.

4. Modern English Regional Dictionaries:

• Dictionary of American Regional English (DARE): Covers words and phrases
unique to different parts of the USA and different social groups. It uses data from
interviews and written sources to provide accurate definitions and usage examples.
Ukrainian Dialect Dictionaries

Unlike English, Ukraine doesn’t have a single comprehensive dialect dictionary.

Since the 19th century, various smaller dictionaries have been created focusing on
specific regions or villages.

1. Early Ukrainian Dialect Dictionaries:

• Y. Kobryns’kyi (1862): Published a dictionary about sheep and shepherds along
the Black Sea Coast.
• P. Kobryns’kyi (1863): Collected materials from the Kosmach region for a
dictionary.
• I. Verhrats’kyi: Created several dialect dictionaries in the Halychyna region,
covering different local dialects and even social jargons like those of beggars and
musicians.

2. Challenges in Ukrainian Dialect Lexicography:

• Ambiguity and Vagueness: Early dictionaries often lacked clear explanations and
accurate pronunciation guides.
• Focus on Specialized Jargon: Some dictionaries focused on the language of
specific social groups, such as vagabonds or students.

3. Modern Ukrainian Dialect Dictionaries:

• Lexis and Phraseology: Recent dictionaries not only include unique words but also
common phrases used in different dialects. Examples:
a) Folk Proverbs from Halychyna-Russia by I. Franko.
b) Phraseological Dictionary of Lemkian Dialects by N. Varkhol and A.
Ivchenko.
• Regional Focus: Most modern dictionaries concentrate on specific regions or
even individual villages. Examples:
a) Dictionary of Boikivshchyna Dialects by M. Onyshkevych.
b) Hutsul Dialects (1997).
c) Dictionary of Polissia Dialects by P. Lysenko.
d) Dictionary of Dialectal Lexis of Terebovlianshchyna by O. Horbach.
e) Dictionary of Specific Lexis of Musiyivka Village by L. Palamarchuk.

5. Content of Dialect Dictionaries:

• Words and Phrases: Entries include how words are used in dialects, their
pronunciation, and meanings.
• Explanations: Words are often explained using standard Ukrainian or described if
they represent unique cultural items or tools.
• Idioms and Grammar: Many dictionaries also include unique expressions and
grammatical forms specific to the dialect.
Завдання лекція 9

1. Original Sentence: “Diplomatic indabas only rarely produce neatly wrapped

solutions to problems”

Translation: “Diplomatic meetings only rarely produce neatly wrapped solutions to

problems.”

Explanation: Indaba: A term borrowed from Zulu, meaning a meeting, conference,

or discussion, especially one involving significant deliberation among stakeholders.

2. Original Sentence: “And she starts off snikking much better”

Translation: “And she starts off sneaking much better.”

Explanation: Snikking: Likely a variant of sneaking. In South African English, it

refers to moving quietly or secretly, often to avoid detection.

3. Original Sentence: “Tannie Miems still thinks she’s been toored and that it could
never happen in a nice neighbourhood like Turfies”
(Sunday Times 21.01.1981)

Translation: “Auntie Miems still thinks she’s been tricked and that it could never
happen in a nice neighborhood like Turfies.”

Explanation:
• Tannie: Afrikaans for Auntie, used as a respectful or affectionate term for an older
woman.
• Toored: Likely a misspelling or dialectal variation of tricked or fooled.
• Turfies: A colloquial term, possibly referring to residents or specific groups within
the neighborhood. In some contexts, it refers to students at the University of Pretoria,
but here it denotes a specific, presumably pleasant, neighborhood.

4. Original Sentence: “That is the lekkerest present I’ve received”

Translation: “That is the best present I’ve received.”

Explanation: Lekkerest: Derived from Afrikaans lekker, meaning nice, good, or

pleasant. The suffix -est makes it the superlative form, translating to best or coolest.
Лекція 11

Who Was Noah Webster?

Noah Webster (1758-1843) was an American teacher, writer, and dictionary creator.
He is often called the “father of American lexicography” because he created the first
major American dictionary. Born in Connecticut, he studied at Yale and became a
lawyer before focusing on education and writing.

Noah Webster’s Contributions

1. American Spelling Book (1783):

o Also known as The Blue-Back Spelling Book.
o Made spelling simpler and different from British English.
o Popular in American schools for teaching spelling with a patriotic touch.
2. An American Dictionary of the English Language (1828):
o Included 112,000 words.
o Aimed to standardize American English, making it distinct from British
English.
o Simplified spellings and improved word definitions.
o Focused on accuracy and clarity.
3. A Grammatical Institute of the English Language:
o Split into three books: a spelling book, a grammar, and a reader.
o Helped separate the teaching of spelling, grammar, and reading for
better learning.

Innovations and Challenges

• Spelling and Pronunciation:

a) Simplified many spellings (e.g., “color” instead of “colour”).
b) Made pronunciation guides based on how educated Americans spoke.
• Dictionary Wars:
a) Joseph Worcester created a rival dictionary that stuck closer to British
English.
b) There was a debate (called the “dictionary wars”) over which dictionary
was better.
c) Webster adjusted his dictionary to focus more on accurate word histories
and definitions.

Legacy of Webster’s Dictionaries

1. Merriam-Webster:
a) After Webster’s death, his son-in-law, George and Charles Merriam, took
over his dictionary.
b) They published revised editions, eventually naming the company Merriam-
Webster.
 c) Merriam-Webster became the official publisher of Webster’s dictionaries.
2. Evolution of Editions:
a) 4th Edition (1864): Known as the Unabridged version.
b) 5th Edition: Called Webster’s International Dictionary, expanded to include
British and global English.
c) 6th Edition (1909): Webster’s New International Dictionary.
d) 7th Edition (1934) and 8th Edition (1961): Continued to refine definitions and
pronunciation guides.
3. Webster 3 Controversy (1961):
a) Webster’s Third Edition removed labels like “colloquial” and “informal,”
which upset many people.
b) Critics felt the dictionary became too lenient, including words they thought
shouldn’t be there.
c) Supporters argued it was more accurate and reflected actual language use.

Modern Webster’s Dictionaries

• Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary:

a) A popular, user-friendly desk dictionary used by students and professionals.
b) Includes detailed pronunciation guides, word definitions, and usage notes.
c) Known for its comprehensive coverage and reliable information.
• Webster’s Dictionary of English Usage (1989):
a) A guide to tricky English usage rules.
b) Helps users understand debates over how certain words should be used.
c) Provides examples and explanations for better writing and speaking.

The “Webster” Name

• Public Domain:
After Noah Webster’s original dictionary copyrights expired, other publishers started
using the name “Webster’s” for their dictionaries. Merriam-Webster is the most
reputable, but many cheap or unrelated dictionaries also use the name. “Websters”
became a general term for dictionaries in the U.S., even those not made by Merriam-
Webster.

Why Are Webster’s Dictionaries Important?

• Standardization: Helped standardize American English spelling and usage.
• Educational Tool: Widely used in schools and by learners to understand and use
English correctly.
• Cultural Impact: Influenced how Americans perceive and use their language,
fostering a unique American identity.
Завдання лекція 11
compare how the words “hotel” and “beg” are defined across different editions of
Webster’s dictionaries.

1. “Hotel” Entries Comparison

a. Webster’s New International Dictionary of the English Language

2nd Edition (1934)

• Pronunciation: [hotel’; Brit. also o-tel’, formerly the usual pron.]
• Etymology: From Old French hostel, ostel.
• Definitions:
1. A house providing lodging and usually meals for the public, especially for
travelers; an inn, particularly one of a higher class.
2. In French usage:
a. The mansion of a person of rank or wealth.
b. A public building.

3rd Edition (1961)

• Pronunciation: ho-tel (…)
• Definitions:
1. A building with many rooms primarily for overnight accommodation of
travelers.
2. Features include multiple floors with elevators, a large lobby with comfortable
seating, areas for eating, drinking, dancing, exhibitions, and group meetings.
3. Includes shops with both inside and street-side entrances offering items like
clothes, gifts, candy, theater tickets, and personal services such as hairdressing
and shoe shining.
4. Provides amenities like telephone booths, writing tables, and washrooms
available for use.

Pocket-size Edition (1943)

• Pronunciation: [ho-tel]
• Definition: An establishment providing lodging, and often food, for travelers, etc.

New Webster’s e Dictionary and Thesaurus (1993)

• Pronunciation: (houtel)
• Definition: A large building with a resident staff, providing accommodation and
often meals.
• Etymology: From French hotel.

Random House Webster’s College Dictionary (Glencoe Edition, 1991)

• Pronunciation: (hötel’)
 • Definition: A commercial establishment offering lodging to travelers and
sometimes to permanent residents, often having public restaurants, meeting rooms, or
stores.
• Etymology: From French hotel, Old French hostel.

Comparison & Analysis:

• Detail and Scope:

1. 1934 (2nd ed.): Provides basic definitions with a nod to French usage,
emphasizing lodging and public buildings.
2. 1961 (3rd ed.): Offers a more detailed description, outlining specific features
and amenities of modern hotels, reflecting the growth and complexity of hotel
services.
3. 1943 (Pocket-size): Simplistic definition focusing on lodging and food,
directing readers to see HOSPITAL for more information.
4. 1993 (New Webster’s e): Concise definition emphasizing accommodation and
meals, aligning closely with earlier editions but using more contemporary
language.
5. 1991 (Random House): Similar to the 3rd ed. but includes mention of
permanent residents and additional facilities like restaurants and stores.

• Etymology: All editions trace “hotel” back to Old French hostel, highlighting its
historical roots.

• Pronunciation:
1. 1934: Notes British pronunciation variations.
2. 1961 & 1991: Standard American pronunciations without British variants.
3. Pocket-size & New Webster’s e: Simplified pronunciation guides.

• Evolution: Over time, the definition of “hotel” expanded from simply a lodging
place to include a variety of services and facilities, reflecting changes in the
hospitality industry.

2. “Beg” Entries Comparison

a. Webster’s New International Dictionary of the English Language

(Entries for “beg” are less detailed in this edition; focus is on verb forms and
synonyms.)

• Definitions:
1. To ask earnestly or desperately for something.
2. Synonyms include crave, solicit, petition, pray, beseech, entreat, implore,
supplicate, importunate.
 3. Detailed examples of usage in different contexts (e.g., asking for favors,
charity).

b. New Webster’s e Dictionary and Thesaurus (1993)

• Pronunciation: (beg)
• Forms: beg (present), begging (gerund), begged (past and past participle).
• Definitions:
1. Transitive Verb:
o To solicit money, clothing, food, etc., for a living.
o Of a holy person: to ask alms.
o Of an animal: to express demands by making noises or assuming a
beseeching posture.
2. Intransitive Verb: To ask earnestly.
3. Additional Uses:
• To back out of an undertaking and ask to be excused.
• Phrases like “to beg the question” (to avoid the issue) and “to go
begging” (to be unwanted).

Comparison & Analysis:

• Detail and Scope:

1. Webster’s New International (1934 & 1961): Focuses on synonyms and varied
contexts of begging, including religious and informal uses. Provides examples
from literature and common usage.
2. New Webster’s e (1993): Offers a comprehensive breakdown of verb forms,
multiple definitions covering both literal and figurative uses, and includes
idiomatic expressions related to “beg.”

• Etymology:
1. 1934 & 1961: Traces back to Old French beggar, from begard meaning
mendicant.
2. 1993: Also acknowledges Old French origins, indicating the evolution of the
word over time.

• Pronunciation:
• Consistent across editions, with slight variations noted in the 1934
edition for British pronunciation.
• Evolution:
• The definitions have become more nuanced over time, incorporating
both traditional and modern usages, including idiomatic phrases and
expanded meanings related to social behaviors
Conclusion

By analyzing the entries for “hotel” and “beg” across different editions of Webster’s
dictionaries, we observe how definitions become more detailed and comprehensive
over time. Early editions lay the groundwork with basic definitions and etymology,
while later editions incorporate expanded meanings, modern usage, and nuanced
examples to reflect the evolving nature of language. This progression ensures that
dictionaries remain relevant and useful tools for understanding and using English
effectively.

Симоненко камінний хрест

Діалектизми з тексту та їхні значення:

1. Газда – господар, власник землі або майна.

2. Підрука – спосіб запрягання коня збоку від іншого тяглового
засобу.
3. Нашильник – частина упряжі, що лягає на шию коня.
4. Борозна – рядок на полі, утворений плугом.
5. Мотузяна шлея – мотузкова упряж для коня або людини.
6. Жили – м’язи, жили на тілі.
7. Посторонки – мотузки чи ремені, що з’єднують віз з упряжкою.
8. Сітею – сіткою.
9. Леду – крига, лід.
10. Бодяк – колюча рослина.
11. Віпадеш – випаде
12. Панькатися – займатися чимось надмірно обережно, пеститися.
13. Провина – провина або провинність, за яку потрібно відповісти.
14. Відай – мабуть, імовірно.
15. Грєну – кину.
16. Палі – кілки або стовпчики для огородження.
17. Політки – плоди, результат праці.
18. Кицки – тверді дернини, трав’яні куртини.
19. Сполікували – розмивали.
20. Струнви – натягнуті мотузки чи ремені.
21. Дніві – нижні поля.
22. Трунок – апетит, те, що легко вживається.
23. Файно – добре, гарно.
24. Войсько – військова служба.
25. Зібгав – зігнув.
 26. Платина – хустка, тканина для витертя сліз.
27. Гамерику – Америка.
28. Віскоком – з радістю, без жалю.
29. Вібачєйте – вибачайте.

Noah Webster was a key figure in the development of American dictionaries and is often
referred to as the "father of American lexicography." He was Born in Connecticut in 1758
and grew up during a time when the United States was still under British rule. He studied at
Yale University and initially became a lawyer, but he was more interested in improving
education in America. He believed that America needed its own language standards, separate
from British English, to reflect its independence.

Contributions to Dictionaries

Webster started by creating schoolbooks like A Grammatical Institute of the English

Language, often called the "Blue-Backed Speller." This book taught children to read and
spell in a simpler, more standardized way. He wanted to create a sense of unity through a
common language, helping to develop American English. In 1828, he published An American
Dictionary of the English Language. It was the first major dictionary to focus on American
English rather than British English. His dictionary included over 70,000 words, many of
which had never been recorded before, especially words related to American geography,
culture, and daily life. He simplified spellings to make them more phonetic, such as
changing “colour” to “color”, helping to create a distinct American style of English. He
included pronunciation guides that reflected how Americans spoke, making it easier for
people to understand how words should sound. He also focused on providing clear and
accurate definitions, aiming to make the dictionary a reliable resource for both everyday use
and education.

Legacy

 After his death in 1843, his dictionary was continued by George and Charles
Merriam, becoming what we now know as Merriam-Webster.
 Webster’s work laid the foundation for American English as it is known today,
helping to standardize language and make it accessible to the growing nation.

So nowadays we can see that, Noah Webster was a pioneer who not only created the first
comprehensive American dictionary but also helped shape the way English is spoken and
written in the United States. His efforts in simplifying spellings and focusing on American
usage made his work a crucial part of American education and culture.