Analysis of You Are Probably Using the Wrong Dictionary Article by James Somers - Term Paper Example

Response Paper to the Article “You are probably using the Wrong Dictionary” Introduction The article d,“You are probably using the Wrong Dictionary” is a recent critique of modern dictionaries commonly used by students and individual sin other specialties compared to the dictionary developed by Webster. This critique presents numerous examples to back up the arguments presented. It emerges that, most of the dictionaries in use today are insufficient in providing the meaning of words and their uses. Although many people have had the conviction that the definitions provided by many dictionaries are final and should be relied on, James Somers, the author of the article refutes this common belief and illustrates how using the dictionary authored by Webster in its unedited versions presents a wealth of vocabulary and its usage in English. This paper will offer a response to the article by James Somers. Background James Somers is the author of the article that criticizes many modern dictionaries. Having spent a lot of time with McPhee, a great novelist and author in the American society, Somers developed an interest in the English. Although he had opined that his dictionary was a reliable companion to improve his vocabulary, he really used it. However, he noted the differences in McPhee’s use of the English language a specifically his continued use of a unique dictionary. These two aspects prompted to inquire from McPhee on the differences between his preferred dictionary and those used by many people. Although initially it was his responsibility to find out why this happens, McPhee first illustrated how the meaning of Webster’s book was outstanding and the concepts introduced by the dictionary proved to be very compelling. After Somers discovered that the Webster dictionary was the critical tool that McPhee had relied on, Somers ventured into its use. Over many years, he has been using the same dictionary which has immensely improved his written and spoken English (Somers n.p). Summary In this article, Somers’s introduces his subject by illustrating how words are searched in the dictionary and the kind of responses yielded by the searches. Using an example of the term “Sport,” he demonstrates to the leader how limiting many dictionaries are in offering relevant and more provisional results. Using the testimonial from McPhee, the author develops his argument basing it on his comparison of the description of words in the Webster dictionary as well as other common dictionaries. Using words such as sport, fustian and pathos, the author elaborates the differences between the two dictionaries. After giving an overview of the issue, the author ventures into providing fundamental aspects that led to the development of early American English. He highlighted the role played by Webster in the 19th century, placing emphasis on the critical steps that Webster took in a bid to define words correctly. He illustrates that many other dictionaries rob the people of an opportunity to understand many English words and register minimal advances in the use of the dictionary. According to McPhee’s opinion as highlighted by Somers, it is critical for people to check up word from the dictionary much more often than they do. Unfortunately, many Americans fail to understand the critical role played by frequent use of the key words an individual intent to use in writing. After checking it up in the dictionary, many dictionaries offer a wide range of results. However, many people assume that the meaning of commonly used words. The article then introduces the reader to the Webster dictionary and offers guidelines on how to use it. The author exhibits a deep understanding of the differences in meaning of words from both dictionaries. There is emphasis placed on the intense and correct meaning that Webster developed in a bid to make people understand English vocabulary well. Unlike many dictionaries, the Webster dictionary offers different contexts in which words may be used. Analysis of the Arguments The author argues that many dictionaries have failed in their role to define different words. In one instance, he uses the term “pathos” in a bid to demonstrate how these dictionaries have failed. For example, the Oxford dictionary indicates that, the word pathos denotes, “a quality that evokes pity or sadness.” Somers highlights that this definition is highly insufficient although the dictionary seems very confident in presenting it. The same word checked up in the Webster’s dictionary presents two meanings which are highly detailed and elaborated according to context. Webster’s definition presented by the author serves to effectively define the meaning of the word pathos. In his second argument, the author highlights that, there is a salient need, of adopting the definitions presented by Webster because they serve to enrich vocabulary and the English language. Somers has used Webster’s 1913 version to understand the usage of different words and it has become his companion throughout his writing. Somers calls upon his readers to get a copy of the Webster dictionary and have a taste of the definitions presented by Webster. Evaluation In my opinion, I think that the article is highly informative and challenges the traditional use of dictionaries that offer limited definitions to vocabulary. If people are to be competent in the English language, the Webster dictionary is a sure tool towards the achievement of this goal. With its precision and clarity of points, as Somers highlights, there is no doubt that the Webster’s dictionary should be a reading and writing companion to any individual wanting to excel in language. Without doubt, I have been using the wrong dictionary as I had never come across the Webster dictionary until I connected with Somers essay. This article succeeds in persuading people to use the Webster dictionaries which offers effective and more realistic definitions. Conclusion As highlighted above, the article sought to highlight the fact that many people have been using the wrong dictionaries explaining why there is limited understanding of words that are used on a daily basis as well as the rare ones. The author introduces the Webster dictionary which has the potential to alter people’s experience as they seek to understand the meanings of words. The Webster dictionary as highlighted above has eventually become a reliable and cited source of complete definitions of vocabularies. Therefore, all other dictionaries have failed to meet the defined standards of giving complete meanings to words and hence should no longer be used. Somers calls upon people to join him in using the Webster dictionary. Work Cited Somers, James. You are probably using the Wrong Dictionary. Web. 8th June 2014. Read More