Johnson Among the Early Modern Grammarians

Author: Mitchell, Linda C.

Source: International Journal of Lexicography, Volume 18, Number 2, 1 June 2005 , pp. 203-216(14)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

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Abstract:

The significance of Johnson's dictionary makes sense only when it is seen in the context of early modern England school grammars. Seventeenth-century grammar texts included many lexicographical components that dictionary authors had not yet incorporated in their own lexicons. However, in the eighteenth century as grammarians became more concerned with pedagogical issues in school grammars, lexicographers focused on researching and documenting the English language. In A Dictionary of the English Language (1755), Samuel Johnson combines successful practices of early grammarians (e.g., grammar, etymology, usage notes, pronunciation, definitions, and quotations) with witty commentary and literary quotations. Johnson's landmark dictionary went beyond the efforts of grammarians in that Johnson wanted to do more than provide lexicographical information. He wanted readers to enjoy reading the dictionary and to increase their knowledge.

Keywords: antiphospholipid syndrome; recurrent miscarriage; thrombosis

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1093/ijl/eci021

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