The Inception of Lexicography- Unveiling the Timeline of the First Dictionary Publication
When was the first dictionary published? This is a question that has intrigued linguists, historians, and language enthusiasts for centuries. The dictionary, as we know it today, is a comprehensive guide to the words of a language, including their meanings, pronunciation, and usage. The journey of the first dictionary is a fascinating tale of linguistic evolution and the quest for standardization.
The concept of a dictionary predates the earliest printed dictionaries. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all had systems for organizing words, but these were more akin to word lists or glossaries rather than true dictionaries. The first true dictionary, however, is often credited to the medieval Persian scholar Muhammad ibn Muhmmad al-Karaki, who compiled a dictionary of Arabic in the 10th century. This dictionary, known as the “Mufradat,” was a groundbreaking work that organized words alphabetically and provided their meanings and usage examples.
While the “Mufradat” is considered the first dictionary in the sense of organizing words alphabetically, the first dictionary to be printed was the “Dictionarium” by the English monk John Hart. Published in 1564, the “Dictionarium” was a small, portable dictionary that included English words along with their Latin equivalents. This work was a significant milestone in the history of dictionaries, as it was the first time a dictionary had been printed and distributed to the public.
The publication of the “Dictionarium” marked the beginning of a new era in lexicography. As printing technology improved and literacy rates increased, dictionaries became more accessible to a wider audience. The 17th and 18th centuries saw a proliferation of dictionaries in various languages, including the famous “Roget’s Thesaurus” and Samuel Johnson’s “A Dictionary of the English Language,” which was published in 1755. This dictionary, often referred to as “Johnson’s Dictionary,” is considered a masterpiece of lexicography and has had a lasting impact on the English language.
Johnson’s Dictionary was a significant achievement in the field of lexicography, as it provided a comprehensive and authoritative account of the English language. It included a vast array of words, many of which are still in use today. Johnson’s work also established the precedent for including etymology, the history of words, and usage examples in dictionaries.
The 19th and 20th centuries saw the rise of even more comprehensive dictionaries, such as the “Oxford English Dictionary” and the “American Heritage Dictionary.” These dictionaries expanded the scope of lexicography by including words from various dialects, slang, and technical terminology. The advent of digital technology has further transformed the world of dictionaries, with online dictionaries and mobile apps providing users with instant access to information on words and their meanings.
In conclusion, the first dictionary published was the “Dictionarium” by John Hart in 1564. This work laid the foundation for the modern dictionary and sparked a revolution in the field of lexicography. The journey of the dictionary from the “Mufradat” to today’s digital dictionaries is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of language and the enduring quest for knowledge. As we continue to explore and understand the words around us, dictionaries will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of language and communication.
