Dictionaries And Their Meanings, Part One

After a brief introduction concerning the history of the dictionary, this fine program gives a detailed breakdown of the many types of dictionaries available, what they contain, and how to best use them. Randy Baxter, the host, gives a good overview--hitting on the myriad number of uses for a dictionary, including: definitions, pronunciation, spelling, usage, specialized meanings, and slang. And the video emphasizes the changing nature of the language, and the role of lexicographers in recording it. Baxter points out that lexicographers merely record, they do not create meanings for words. It is usage by the general public which changes the meanings of words; so that nine centuries ago, for example, the word "girl" referred to a child of either sex, while today the use of girl for a male child will cause hurt feelings at the least, and depending on the context in which it is used, quite possibly good old sandlot fisticuffs. The second half of the program gives a detailed breakdown of the pronunciation symbols--how to use them, and why (with 26 letters used to represent 45 sounds) they are necessary. Like Fun With Words (see above), this video also includes "Word Game" worksheets which are reproducible. The second title (Part Two) gives more emphasis to actually using the dictionary. Recommended for school libraries, but also a good and inexpensive choice for public libraries. (See FUN WITH WORDS for availability.)