Samuel Johnson's Contribution Of The English Language

“Authority and American Usage” written by David Foster Wallace, poses an argument about the English language, and the different beliefs of its usage. This essay was written in defense of Bryan A. Garner’s, A Dictionary of Modern American Usage. His argument in “Authority and American Usage” is the difference the between prescriptivism perception and the descriptivism perception (Linguistic terms that could easily be made into smaller, more understandable words for people like me). Since the beginning of time, language has evolved. From biblical times, to Shakespearean times, to present day; the English language has been continuously changing since it’s birth and has no intentions on stopping.

He quotes John Simon, a major prescriptivist, stating that “No Damsel was ever in such distress, no drayhorse more flogged, no defenseless child more drunkenly abused than the English language today”(Simon, 307). He also shows the other view of this issue that says that English as a language should evolve along with the rest of the world that has been “Swept by a tide of informality”(MacNeil, 311). With the evolution of technology and language instalments on software and computers, English changing so much among races and regions could become a major issue for this generation. Simon states that English should be treated as the original language and should not be simplified. He refers to common day slang by stating that “Just because you can figure out what the person is trying to say, doesn’t mean you should”(Simon, 333). MacNeil highlights the positives and negatives of the evolving English language along with reasons why people speak the way they do. He seems to have a neutral stance on the issue while Simon bluntly argues the fact that proper English is the English that is mean to be spoken. However, both mention the fact that education has a major influence on how this language is

English is a very important part of our lives as it is our everyday communication tool. It is imperative to know how to read, listen, speak, and comprehend; how to write so that we can express our thoughts about something; and how to communicate in a way that people will understand. Since English is the global language, it is essential that we have a good command of the language not only to set a good example but to be successful in life.

Although it did not cover a great deal, it laid the foundation for his later dictionaries. It included distinctly American spellings of words and pronunciations. It also supported Webster's belief in democracy. By seeking to standardize the learning of language in American classrooms, he was putting into play a belief that the semantics of a language play a key role in a person's power to create a system of ideas, thus creating a more educated citizen able to participate in a democratic system (Noah Webster's American Dictionary Website).

Simon states “some people are pleased to call linguistic evolution was almost always a matter of ignorance prevailing over knowledge” (209). This statement shows the opposing view of the liberal -linguist. On the other hand, the other group of people the opposition of the liberal-linguist mentioned by Simon believe that “there is such thing as Standard English” (208). This makes the works of this article balanced and truthful. As a conservative, Simon wants individuals to preserve the English language and not just go with any fad that may come upon us. Henceforth, Simon wants us to teach ourselves and he stresses training yourself. Though Simon presents favoritism toward what he describes as the minority or the conservatives. “we are here… to arrest unnecessary change” (209). He accurately reveals the two viewpoints regarding good English usage.

English is a language which is important, useful and helpful for every citizen in today’s

The English language has changed drastically from the time it was first spoken to the present day due to vast technological advances. The invention of printing changed the way English was written and spoken. The language was also influenced by many other foreign languages. The English language can be described as a mash-up of many other languages mixed together.

Samuel Johnson, prominent English author, lived a life which was appears to have been unpretentious on the surface, however his life was filled with numerous complications, extreme suffering and massive psychological troubles. Also, despite all the struggles and suffering in his life, he had a “passionate concern for humanity and even said, ‘I have often thought that there has rarely passed a life of which a judicious and faithful narrative would not be useful’” ( Green ). Samuel Johnson was born September 7, 1709 in Lichfield, Staffordshire, England in the home above his fifty-two year old father’s struggling bookshop. His father had gained prosperity but it did not endure the enterprises he was involved in, forcing the family into

British was in contact with many other countries. This lead to the development of new words and phrases and hence a greater addition in vocabulary. Development of new words created a need for a dictionary. The first English dictionary was published in 1604. During this period English language was re-establishing itself. William Caxton was the first

Samuel Johnson manipulates the concept of individualism into the utmost significance by deepening the true reality of personal success. Being the author of multiple English dictionaries and being one of the most profound literary critiques of the 18th century, Johnson’s integrity as an author is proven through his achievements and classical masterpieces. In the composition of Samuel Johnson The Major Works, he debriefs his audiences on their way of life and provides ratiocination to accelerate greatness administered through their own individualism. Samuel Johnson breaks down to his audience human acumen given through their emotions and experiences. He enlightens previous thought and strives to integrate original reasoning. Employing countless

There are nearly 7000 languages spoken in the world. Among them is the English language. Richard Lederer, a retired high school teacher chose this language to be the subject of his essay “English is a Crazy Language.” In the essay, Lederer describes English with respects to who uses it, when it is used and how it is used. They justify his claim that English is the most widely spoken language in the world.

The authority always shifted to those who provided the great deal of material. Lexicographers realized this fact and competed with grammarians in order to produce more comprehensive information. The first monolingual English dictionary was, "Robert Cawdrey's A Table Alphabetical (1640)". This dictionary was not only a guide to correct spelling or appropriate vocabulary, but intended on a guide to "hand words which had been brought in from Latin and other languages" (Beal, 2012).

A Dictionary of the English Language by Samuel Johnson was done because Italian and French academies produced many dictionaries of their own tongues and the English century authors feared that their language would soon disappear because of absence of authority. They believed that a dictionary would do a big change since it will be a book that people will need to buy. They believed that Johnson, still an unknown author, would do a great job in creating a good dictionary. Johnson accepted and believed he would finish the dictionary in three years, but it took him nine in total; yet the quantity and quality of work was excellent. Johnson made a dictionary that it known for its size (which was forty thousand words), the illustrative quotations, and the outstanding definitions. He had used quotations from the best English writers, and most of the definitions are clear of any eccentricity.

As one of style of English that are mostly used by people around the world, British English (BE) has their own dictionary. A dictionary has several functions, such as to help us with the concept, to illustrate the usage, to clarify the distinction or to assist in a writing task (Hartman & James, 1998, p. 60). One of several types of dictionary is monolingual dictionary. Monolingual dictionary is the lemma of a language explained in the same language (Hartman & James, 1998, p.95). Hartman and James state that a monolingual dictionary performs several functions such as providing information on the spelling to assist in the writing task (1998, p.60). BE also has their own popular monolingual dictionaries.

With the use of technology and media it seems as though the English language is certaintly not what it used to be. To be an English major is more than just speaking and writing in correct grammar and spelling, but also preserving the language itself. The English language is being altered due to text messaging, social media, television, ect. By studying authors, stories, articles, and the english language, you are perserving the language while also improving your skills of communication. I believe communication is very important to an English major. Everywhere in life involves communication. Speaking in correct english helps show a person who is well-educated and motivated.