《butwhatsadictionaryfor》由会员分享，可在线阅读，更多相关《butwhatsadictionaryfor（42页珍藏版）》请在金锄头文库上搜索。
1、but-whats-a-but-whats-a-dictionary-fordictionary-forI.Background Material 1. 1. Source noteSource noteThis text This text But WhatBut What s a Dictionary For?s a Dictionary For? is is excerpted from an article of the same title in the excerpted from an article of the same title in the book book The
2、Play of LanguageThe Play of Language. Actually the article . Actually the article first appeared in the Atlantic Monthly in first appeared in the Atlantic Monthly in May,1962. Little is known of the writer Bergen May,1962. Little is known of the writer Bergen Evans.Evans. The Play of LanguageThe Pla
3、y of Language is a collection of essays is a collection of essays on language and usage edited by Leonard F. on language and usage edited by Leonard F. Dean and Kenneth G. Wilson, published in 1963 Dean and Kenneth G. Wilson, published in 1963 by Oxford University Press in the United States by Oxfor
4、d University Press in the United States of America.of America.2. 2. About WebsterAbout Webster s and the G. & C. Merriam s and the G. & C. Merriam companycompany WebsterWebster s s Third New International DictionaryThird New International Dictionary has its beginning in Noah Websterhas its beginning
5、 in Noah Webster s American s American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828. On Dictionary of the English Language, 1828. On WebsterWebster s death in 1843 the unsold copies and s death in 1843 the unsold copies and publishing rights of his dictionary were acquired by publishing rights of his di
6、ctionary were acquired by George and Charles Merriam, who in 1847 brought George and Charles Merriam, who in 1847 brought out a revision edited by Noah Websterout a revision edited by Noah Webster s son-in-law, s son-in-law, Professor Chauncey A . Goodrich of Yale College. Professor Chauncey A . Goo
7、drich of Yale College. The 1847 edition became the first Merriam- Webster The 1847 edition became the first Merriam- Webster unabridged dictionary.unabridged dictionary. Other reference works from Meriam-Webster Other reference works from Meriam-Webster include include WebsterWebster s New Georgraph
8、ical Dictionary, s New Georgraphical Dictionary, WebsterWebster s Biographical Dictionary, Websters Biographical Dictionary, Webster s New s New Dictionary of Synonyms, WebsterDictionary of Synonyms, Webster s New Dictionary.s New Dictionary.3. 3. The Third InternationalThe Third International IN co
9、ntent, size, shape, and design, this dictionary IN content, size, shape, and design, this dictionary of 2,752 pages in the great library of the English of 2,752 pages in the great library of the English language. It has over 460,000 entries, 200, 000 language. It has over 460,000 entries, 200, 000 u
10、sage examples , over 3,000 pictorial illustrations, usage examples , over 3,000 pictorial illustrations, and more than 1,000 synonym articles. In a single and more than 1,000 synonym articles. In a single volume it defines the English language as it is volume it defines the English language as it is
11、 written and spoken today.written and spoken today.The editors of this new edition have held to the The editors of this new edition have held to the three virtues of dictionary making: three virtues of dictionary making: accuracy, accuracy, clearness, and comprehensivenessclearness, and comprehensiv
12、eness. . Wherever Wherever there is conflict, accuracy is put first. In striving for there is conflict, accuracy is put first. In striving for clearness the editors have tried to make the clearness the editors have tried to make the definitions as readable as possible. The definitions as readable as
13、 possible. The comprehensiveness of this dictionary is borne out comprehensiveness of this dictionary is borne out by the addition of 100,000 new words or new by the addition of 100,000 new words or new definitions that were not included in the Second definitions that were not included in the Second
14、 International.International.Part 1: Para 1 - para 3The storm of abuse in the popular press. The claim of the dictionary maker. The question for argument: What is a dictionary for?Part 2: Para 4 - para 13.section 1: Statement 1. A dictionary is concerned with words.Section 2: statement 2. Progress i
15、n lexicography:Bloomfield and his 4 findingsthe assertion following the findingsthe illustration of the findings and the assertionPart 3: Para 14 - para 25 (p.165)Section 1: (para 14) spelling, pronunciation, meaning and usage, certainty, simplificationSection 2: (para 15) spellingSection 3: (paras
16、16 - 17) pronunciation Section 4: (paras 18 - 25) meaning and usagePart 4: Conclusion II. The Detailed Study of the Text1. 1. abuse:abuse: n. cursing, angry or violent attack in n. cursing, angry or violent attack in words, bad language, offfensice language.words, bad language, offfensice language.2
17、. 2. popular presspopular press: newspapers suited to the : newspapers suited to the general readers. Popular means suited to the general readers. Popular means suited to the tastes, needs, educational level, etc. of the tastes, needs, educational level, etc. of the general public; e.g. popular scie
18、nce, meals at general public; e.g. popular science, meals at popular prices.Cf. popular hero, popular songs, popular prices.Cf. popular hero, popular songs, etc. (liked and admired by the public)etc. (liked and admired by the public)3. 3. appearanceappearance: act of appearing. Here, it means : act
19、of appearing. Here, it means publication, coming out. Compare the publication, coming out. Compare the following pairs of sentences: 1) The following pairs of sentences: 1) The appearance of the miracle of being half appearance of the miracle of being half starved.starved.4. 4. stature:stature: orig
20、inally a personoriginally a person s bodily height (s bodily height (身高，身身高，身材材). Figuratively, mental or moral quality, ). Figuratively, mental or moral quality, development, growth, or level of attainment, development, growth, or level of attainment, especially as worthy of esteem especially as wo
21、rthy of esteem （才干，非凡的气质，（才干，非凡的气质，高境界，高水平高境界，高水平. Not to be confused with . Not to be confused with statue or statue or status, statutestatus, statute. . StatueStatue: a usually large likenss, of a : a usually large likenss, of a person, animal etc, made in solid material such a person, animal etc,
22、 made in solid material such a stone or metal (stone or metal (雕像，塑像，雕像，塑像， 铸像铸像); ); statusstatus: (1) : (1) oneone s legal position or condition (s legal position or condition (人的身份，状况人的身份，状况) ) e.g, marital status (e.g, marital status (婚姻状况婚姻状况) )；(2) one(2) one s social or s social or profession
23、al rank (professional rank (社会地位专业资格，职位社会地位专业资格，职位) ) （3 3）state or situation at a particular time (state or situation at a particular time (情形，状情形，状态，状况态，状况); ); statutestatute: a law passed by a lawmaking : a law passed by a lawmaking body, e.g. Parliament, and normally written down (body, e.g. Pa
24、rliament, and normally written down (法法令，法规，成文法令，法规，成文法) e.g. statute book () e.g. statute book (成文法典成文法典) )，statute law (statute law (成文法成文法) )5. 5. the the AtlanticAtlantic: : American monthly journal, doing American monthly journal, doing investigative journalism, fiction and poetry.investigative
25、 journalism, fiction and poetry.6. 6. the the New York TimesNew York Times: : daily newspaper; daily newspaper; considered the most reputable daily by many. considered the most reputable daily by many. Equivalent to Londong Times. It puts out a huge Equivalent to Londong Times. It puts out a huge Su
26、nday issue covering just about everything - Sunday issue covering just about everything - news, sports, arts, etc. - also magazine news, sports, arts, etc. - also magazine section.section.7. 7. accelerate the deterioration of the accelerate the deterioration of the languagelanguage: : speed up the l
27、owering of the quality speed up the lowering of the quality of the language.of the language.8. 8. betraying a public trustbetraying a public trust: : failing to meet the failing to meet the hopes of the public, failing to live up to the hopes of the public, failing to live up to the expectations of
28、the public:expectations of the public:9. 9. the American Bar Associationthe American Bar Association: : Bar Bar here mean here mean lawyers collectively; or the legal profession, e.g. be lawyers collectively; or the legal profession, e.g. be called to the Bar (be received as a member of the called t
29、o the Bar (be received as a member of the Bar); read for the Bar ( study to become a barrister. Bar); read for the Bar ( study to become a barrister. Cf. Cf. lawyer , advocate, solicitor, attorney, counselorlawyer , advocate, solicitor, attorney, counselor) ) lawyerlawyer: a person whose business is
30、 to advise people : a person whose business is to advise people , write formal agreements, or to represent people in , write formal agreements, or to represent people in court (court (律师律师) )；lawyerlawyer is the most general word for is the most general word for talking about someone who either repr
31、esents people talking about someone who either represents people in a curt of law or advises people about legal in a curt of law or advises people about legal problems. Lawyers sometimes do legal work that is problems. Lawyers sometimes do legal work that is related to only one particular area of th
32、e law, such related to only one particular area of the law, such as medical case, or company law, or they can do as medical case, or company law, or they can do general work for many different types of legal cases. general work for many different types of legal cases. (to be continued)(to be continu
33、ed)9. In the US, a lawyer can also be called an 9. In the US, a lawyer can also be called an attorney attorney ( (Note: AmE, a lawyer. Lawyers in the US have to Note: AmE, a lawyer. Lawyers in the US have to be licenced by the state in which they practice, be licenced by the state in which they prac
34、tice, which allows them to practice in FEDERAL courts, which allows them to practice in FEDERAL courts, but not necessarily in other states)but not necessarily in other states) which means which means exactly the same. The word exactly the same. The word counselorcounselor is also used is also used
35、in US to mean a lawyer, esp. on working in a court in US to mean a lawyer, esp. on working in a court of law, and it can also be used as a title when of law, and it can also be used as a title when speaking to a lawyer in court. speaking to a lawyer in court. In the UKIn the UK, a lawyer , a lawyer
36、who speaks in court is called a who speaks in court is called a barristerbarrister, and a , and a lawyer who mainly works in an office is called a lawyer who mainly works in an office is called a solicitorsolicitor, and these two types of lawyer have , and these two types of lawyer have different tr
37、ainings. different trainings. AdvocateAdvocate: (Scotish English) a : (Scotish English) a lawyer who speaks in defence of or in favor of lawyer who speaks in defence of or in favor of another perosn in court (another perosn in court (辩护人，辩护律师辩护人，辩护律师) )10. 10. lexicographic irresponsibility:lexicogr
38、aphic irresponsibility: Lexicographic (or lexicographical) is the Lexicographic (or lexicographical) is the adjective of lexicography, which means the adjective of lexicography, which means the act, process, art, or work of writing or act, process, art, or work of writing or compiling a dictionary o
39、r dictionaries. A compiling a dictionary or dictionaries. A lexicographer is a person who writes or lexicographer is a person who writes or compiling a dictionary. Lexicographic compiling a dictionary. Lexicographic irresponsibility means irresponsibility in irresponsibility means irresponsibility i
40、n making the dictionary. making the dictionary. 11. 11. The cause of good English:The cause of good English:TheThe object for object for enhancing English, the efforts to maintain a enhancing English, the efforts to maintain a high standard for English.high standard for English.12. 12. lifelife: : A
41、merican popular pictorial magazine. It American popular pictorial magazine. It used to be a weekly and stopped about 1968. used to be a weekly and stopped about 1968. occassional issues still appear on special occassional issues still appear on special topics. topics. 13. non-word deluge:13. non-wor
42、d deluge: Non-words Non-words are words not yet are words not yet established, not acceptable, such as new slangs or established, not acceptable, such as new slangs or newly-coined words. Here non- should not be newly-coined words. Here non- should not be understood simply as not. Other examples: no
43、n-understood simply as not. Other examples: non-book: (a book which has little literary merit or book: (a book which has little literary merit or factual information; non_ person one having no factual information; non_ person one having no social or legal status) social or legal status) delugedeluge
44、: great flood or heavy : great flood or heavy rain (rain (洪水洪水, ,大雨大雨, ,暴雨暴雨), deluge is used ), deluge is used metaphorically, meaning an overwhelming, flood-metaphorically, meaning an overwhelming, flood-like rush of anything e.g. deluge of visitors.like rush of anything e.g. deluge of visitors.14
45、. monstrous14. monstrous: (1) : (1) extremely bad, improper, extremely bad, improper, immoral, shocing, disgraceful; (2) of unnaturally immoral, shocing, disgraceful; (2) of unnaturally large size, strange shape; (colloquial) quite absurd, large size, strange shape; (colloquial) quite absurd, scanda
46、lous;scandalous;15. abominable15. abominable: disgusting: disgusting16. cause (for dismay): 16. cause (for dismay): reason or motive or ground reason or motive or ground for some action or feeling, etc., especially sufficient for some action or feeling, etc., especially sufficient reason (cause for
47、complaint). When reason (cause for complaint). When causecause means means something producing an effect or result, it is followed something producing an effect or result, it is followed by the preposition by the preposition ofof, e.g. causes of the traffic , e.g. causes of the traffic accidents.acc
48、idents.17. They doubted that 17. They doubted that “ “ Lincoln could have Lincoln could have modeled his Gettysburg Addressmodeled his Gettysburg Address” ” on it: on it:They They didndidn t believe that Lincoln could have written his t believe that Lincoln could have written his famous Gettysburg A
49、ddress with the language famous Gettysburg Address with the language described in the Third International as a model.described in the Third International as a model.18. Lincoln: 18. Lincoln: see Note 1 to the text.see Note 1 to the text.20. 20. Gettysburg SpeechGettysburg Speech: : See Note 2 to the
50、 text. Here are some See Note 2 to the text. Here are some often quoted lines from the Address: in a large sense, we can often quoted lines from the Address: in a large sense, we can not dedicate- we cannot consecrate(not dedicate- we cannot consecrate(把把. .奉为神圣；奉为神圣； 给给. .祝圣祝圣)- we can not harrow )
51、- we can not harrow （耙）（耙）- this ground. The brave - this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will it, far above our poor power to add or detr
52、act. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for the living, rather, to never forget what they did here. It is for the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unf
53、inished work which they who be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobley advanced. fought here have thus far so nobley advanced. It is rather for It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us us to be here dedicated to t
54、he great task remaining before us - that from these honored dead we take increased - that from these honored dead we take increased devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain- that his nation, under God, s
55、hall not have died in vain- that his nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by people, for the people, shall not perish from the people, by people, for the people, shall not perish from the
56、earth.the earth.20. 20. a concept of how things get written that throws a concept of how things get written that throws very little light on Lincoln but a great deal on very little light on Lincoln but a great deal on LifeLife: : This sentence reveals This sentence reveals LifeLife s editors dons ed
57、itors don t really know how t really know how things get written. This concept can provide little things get written. This concept can provide little information on how Lincoln wrote his Address. But it does information on how Lincoln wrote his Address. But it does explain how the editors of explain
58、 how the editors of LifeLife write their articles They are write their articles They are ignorant enough to suggest writing with a dictionary as a ignorant enough to suggest writing with a dictionary as a model. model. 21. 21. . .all this sound and furyall this sound and fury: : refers to the abuse
59、in the refers to the abuse in the popular press. The writer is using a quotation from popular press. The writer is using a quotation from Shakerspeare: Shakerspeare: “.it is tale .it is tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signigying nothing Signig
60、ying nothing. .” ” (Macbeth, Act V, Scence IV, L. 26-28)(Macbeth, Act V, Scence IV, L. 26-28)22. 22. citationscitations: passages cited; quotations. The ten : passages cited; quotations. The ten million citations assembled were meant for million citations assembled were meant for background material
61、 for definations.background material for definations.23. 23. is all this a fraud, a hoax?:is all this a fraud, a hoax?: all this all this stands stands for the idea expressed in for the idea expressed in “ “ claim claimin any in any languagelanguage” ”. The . The “ “thatthat” ” clauses are in apposi
62、tion to clauses are in apposition to the noun the noun claimclaim. Since the sentence is too long, . Since the sentence is too long, the verbthe verb is is is repeated and is repeated and all thisall this is used in is used in summing up what has gone before.summing up what has gone before.fraud: cr
63、iminal deceptionhoax: mischievous trick played on somebody for a joke.24. 24. So monstrous a discrepancy in evaluation requires So monstrous a discrepancy in evaluation requires us to examine basic principlesus to examine basic principles: : In evaluating this In evaluating this dictionary, two oppo
64、sing views exist and the disagreement dictionary, two opposing views exist and the disagreement is so great that it is necessary for us to examine basic is so great that it is necessary for us to examine basic principles for dictionary making so that we shall be able to principles for dictionary mak
65、ing so that we shall be able to see which side is right.see which side is right.25. 25. Some remarks on style:Some remarks on style: The first three paragraph may The first three paragraph may be regarded as the opening paragraohs. The first be regarded as the opening paragraohs. The first paragraph
66、 sums up the worst attacks on the dictionary paragraph sums up the worst attacks on the dictionary while the second states the claim of the dictionary while the second states the claim of the dictionary compilers. Though he does not give his own proposition compilers. Though he does not give his own
67、 proposition directly, itdirectly, it s clear the writer is ready to defend the work. s clear the writer is ready to defend the work. The difference of the two fiews calls for an examination of The difference of the two fiews calls for an examination of dictionary-making principles. Hence the questi
68、on of whatdictionary-making principles. Hence the question of what s s a dictionary for, which is the title of the whold article.a dictionary for, which is the title of the whold article.26. 26. home remedieshome remedies: : medicines for common medicines for common indisposition (a slight illness,i
69、ndisposition (a slight illness,小恙小恙) such as colds, ) such as colds, headache, fever, indigestion, etc. They are called headache, fever, indigestion, etc. They are called home remedies because most families keep these home remedies because most families keep these medicines at home.medicines at home
70、.27. 27. extraneousextraneous: : not belonging or directly not belonging or directly connected, not essential , irrelevant, coming from connected, not essential , irrelevant, coming from outside.outside.28. 28. between the much-touted Second between the much-touted Second international and the much-
71、clouted Third international and the much-clouted Third InternationalInternational: assonance and antithesis. : assonance and antithesis. much-toutedmuch-touted means much means much praised, and praised, and much- much- cloutedclouted means much -attacked. The two phrases means much -attacked. The t
72、wo phrases are close in pronunciation but opposite in are close in pronunciation but opposite in meaning.meaning.29. 29. the horse and buggythe horse and buggy: : It represents the period It represents the period before motor vehicles came into use. A buggy is a before motor vehicles came into use.
73、A buggy is a light carriage pulled by one horse.light carriage pulled by one horse.30. 30. The difference for example, betweenThe difference for example, between. . the horse and buggy and the automobilethe horse and buggy and the automobile: : The difference between the Second and Third The differe
74、nce between the Second and Third International is not superficial (like the difference International is not superficial (like the difference between the yearly models of the same car) but between the yearly models of the same car) but substantial (like the difference between two substantial (like th
75、e difference between two entirely different means of transportation).entirely different means of transportation). 31. 31. these two editionsthese two editions: : an edition is the total an edition is the total number of copies of a book or the like printed number of copies of a book or the like prin
76、ted from the same plate, types, etc. and published at from the same plate, types, etc. and published at about the same time. Compare about the same time. Compare “ “the second the second editionedition” ” with with “ “the second printingthe second printing” ”: an act of : an act of printing a number
77、 of copies of a book.printing a number of copies of a book.32. 32. descriptive linguistics(descriptive linguistics(描写语言学描写语言学描写语言学描写语言学):): Linguistics is Linguistics is the science of language, including the science of language, including phonology(phonology(音韵学音韵学) morphology() morphology(词法学词法学),
78、 syntax (), syntax (句法学句法学)and )and semantics(semantics(语义学语义学). ). It is sub-divided into It is sub-divided into descriptive, descriptive, historical, comparative, geographical, social applied, historical, comparative, geographical, social applied, etc. linguistics.etc. linguistics. Descriptive lin
79、guistics is the branch of Descriptive linguistics is the branch of linguistics which describes the structure of a linguistics which describes the structure of a language or languages as they exist, without language or languages as they exist, without reference to their histories or comparison with o
80、ther reference to their histories or comparison with other languages. In contrast to descriptive linguistics is the languages. In contrast to descriptive linguistics is the “ “prescriptive linguistics(prescriptive linguistics(规定语言学规定语言学, ,规范语言学规范语言学, ,语言语言规划学规划学” ”, , Prescriptive linguistics Prescr
81、iptive linguistics objective is to lay objective is to lay down rules for down rules for “ “correctcorrect” ” behaviour. It tells people behaviour. It tells people “ “what should be in languagewhat should be in language” ” or or “ “ what people what people should sayshould say” ”. In prescriptive li
82、nguistics, many early . In prescriptive linguistics, many early grammars were based on grammars were based on “ “highhigh” ” (literary, religious) (literary, religious) written language. written language. 33. 33. charter:charter: originally originally , it means a written or printed , it means a wri
83、tten or printed statement of specified rights of a person or corporation statement of specified rights of a person or corporation from a ruler or governmentfrom a ruler or government( (政府颁发的特许证政府颁发的特许证政府颁发的特许证政府颁发的特许证, , 特许令特许令特许令特许令) ). . Here it is used figuratively implying that Bloomfield is Her
84、e it is used figuratively implying that Bloomfield is regarded as their authority.regarded as their authority.34. 34. GermanicGermanic: : a principal branch of the a principal branch of the Indo-EuropeanIndo-European family of languages, subdivided into family of languages, subdivided into North Nor
85、th Germanic Germanic (Norwegian, Icelandic, swedish, Danish, etc.), (Norwegian, Icelandic, swedish, Danish, etc.), WestWest Germanic (German, Yiddish, Dutch, Flemmish, Modern Germanic (German, Yiddish, Dutch, Flemmish, Modern English, etc.), English, etc.), EastEast Germanic (the extinct Gothic) Ger
86、manic (the extinct Gothic)35. 35. philologyphilology: : the study of written records, especially literary the study of written records, especially literary texts, in order to determine their authenticity meaning. etc. texts, in order to determine their authenticity meaning. etc. ( (语文学，语言学语文学，语言学):
87、earlier term of linguistics.): earlier term of linguistics.36. 36. YaleYale: : name of a well-known American University at New name of a well-known American University at New Haven, Connecticut.Haven, Connecticut.37. 37. inseminating scholarsinseminating scholars: : inseminateinseminate means to put
88、 male means to put male seeds into a female, by sexual act or by an artificial seeds into a female, by sexual act or by an artificial process (process (使怀孕使怀孕, ,使受精使受精) , inseminating here is used ) , inseminating here is used figuratively to refer to scholars who implant new ideas in figuratively t
89、o refer to scholars who implant new ideas in the minds of people. the minds of people. 38. 38. who canwho can t be relegated to any department and t be relegated to any department and dondon t dream of accepting established categories t dream of accepting established categories and procedures just b
90、ecause theyand procedures just because they re establishedre established: : who canwho can t be classified as a scholar of just one particular t be classified as a scholar of just one particular field of knowledge (implying he was an all-round scholar) field of knowledge (implying he was an all-roun
91、d scholar) And they never think of accepting established concepts And they never think of accepting established concepts and ways of doing things just because they are already and ways of doing things just because they are already established.established.RelegateRelegate: : to assign to a class, sph
92、ere, realm, to assign to a class, sphere, realm, etc. classify as belonging to a certain order of etc. classify as belonging to a certain order of things.things.DepartmentDepartment: : a field of knowledge. a field of knowledge. DreamDream: : to to imagine, think, or suppose possible.imagine, think,
93、 or suppose possible.39. 39. He was as much an anthropologist (as a He was as much an anthropologist (as a linguistlinguist: He was an anthropologist as well as a : He was an anthropologist as well as a linguist:linguist:40.40. Strunk Strunk s s Elements of StyleElements of Style: this volume on : t
94、his volume on language style was originally presented by Strunk language style was originally presented by Strunk to a freshmen class at Cornell University (New to a freshmen class at Cornell University (New York State) in the form of lectures.York State) in the form of lectures.41.41. His concepts
95、of language were shaped not His concepts of language were shaped not by trunkby trunk s Elements of Style but by his s Elements of Style but by his knowledge of Cree Indian dialectsknowledge of Cree Indian dialects. . His ideas His ideas of language were not based on stereotyped book of language wer
96、e not based on stereotyped book knowledge but on personal observation of existing knowledge but on personal observation of existing languages including Cree Indian dialects.(for Cree languages including Cree Indian dialects.(for Cree Indians, see Note 5 to the text)Indians, see Note 5 to the text)42
97、. 42. All languages are systems of human All languages are systems of human conventions, not system of natural lawsconventions, not system of natural laws: : All All languages have rules , rules about how to form languages have rules , rules about how to form words and how to pronounce them, how to
98、put words and how to pronounce them, how to put words in their places next to one another, and words in their places next to one another, and how words and especially combinations of them how words and especially combinations of them are related to the meanings that the speakers are related to the m
99、eanings that the speakers wish to communicate. These rules, however, are wish to communicate. These rules, however, are different from natural laws. They are determined different from natural laws. They are determined by usages and practices of the people who use by usages and practices of the peopl
100、e who use the given language. the given language. ConventionConvention: a customary : a customary practice, rule, method, etcpractice, rule, method, etc43. 43. sitting downsitting down: : recoding, putting in print or recoding, putting in print or writingwriting44. 44. It cannot be described in term
101、s of logic or of It cannot be described in terms of logic or of some theoretical, ideal languagesome theoretical, ideal language: : One cannot One cannot use the principls of logical reasoning or the rules and use the principls of logical reasoning or the rules and principles of a theoretical, ideal
102、 language to describe principles of a theoretical, ideal language to describe a living language.a living language.45. 45. It cannot be described in terms of any other It cannot be described in terms of any other language or even in terms of its own pastlanguage or even in terms of its own past: : si
103、nce since each language has its own particular and unique each language has its own particular and unique rules, and since the rules of a particular language rules, and since the rules of a particular language keep changing with the passage of time, we cannot keep changing with the passage of time,
104、we cannot use their rules and principles to describe any use their rules and principles to describe any particular language that is in use today.particular language that is in use today.46. 46. all languages are dynamic rather than staticall languages are dynamic rather than static: : All languages
105、(living languages) are in a metabolic All languages (living languages) are in a metabolic 新新陈代谢的陈代谢的 process of constant change. Nothing process of constant change. Nothing (including pronunciation , vocabulary and grammar (including pronunciation , vocabulary and grammar remains the same)remains th
106、e same)47. 47. correctness can only rest upon usagecorrectness can only rest upon usage: : Correctness can only be based on usageCorrectness can only be based on usage. .48. 48. propositionproposition: : statements, assertions , not to be statements, assertions , not to be confused withconfused with
107、 preposition preposition 49. 49. It follows thatIt follows that: : It is necessarily true that It is necessarily true thate.g. e.g. Because a dictionary is concerned with definitions of Because a dictionary is concerned with definitions of words, it follows that accuracy should come first.words, it
108、follows that accuracy should come first.50. 50. insofar as(U.S.insofar as(U.S.)=)= in so far as, to the extent that in so far as, to the extent that5151. Some indication of social and regional . Some indication of social and regional associationsassociations: : something that points out social and s
109、omething that points out social and regional connections, for example, using such usage regional connections, for example, using such usage labels as slang, vulgar, dialect,etc.labels as slang, vulgar, dialect,etc.52. 52. adapt toadapt to: to adjust (oneself) to new or changed : to adjust (oneself)
110、to new or changed circumstances. Not to be confused with circumstances. Not to be confused with adoptadopt or or adeptadept (highly skilled (highly skilled 熟练的，熟练的， 内行的内行的 ). ). 53. 53. pervasivelypervasively: : spreading through every part spreading through every part54. 54. utilitarianutilitarian:
111、 made to be useful rather than : made to be useful rather than decorative decorative （有效用的，实用的）（有效用的，实用的）. . characterized by characterized by usefulness rather than by beauty, truth, goodness. usefulness rather than by beauty, truth, goodness. ( (sometimes derog, beliving in that the more people a
112、sometimes derog, beliving in that the more people a course of action helps, the better it is course of action helps, the better it is 功利主义的，功利主义的，实利主义的实利主义的) ) compare with compare with pragmaticpragmatic ( (usual apprec.usual apprec. Dealing with matters in the way that seems best Dealing with matt
113、ers in the way that seems best under the actual condition, rather than following a under the actual condition, rather than following a general principle; concerned with practical results. general principle; concerned with practical results. 讲讲究实际的，究实际的， 务实的，务实的， 重实效的重实效的) )55. 55. Every publication
114、in America today includes pages Every publication in America today includes pages that would appear, to the purist of forty years ago, that would appear, to the purist of forty years ago, unbuttoned gibberish: puristunbuttoned gibberish: purist: : is a person who insists on is a person who insists o
115、n precise usage or on application of formal, often pedantic precise usage or on application of formal, often pedantic rules, as in language.rules, as in language.unbuttonedunbuttoned: free or uncontrolled : free or uncontrolled gibberish:gibberish: rapid and incoherent talk, unintelligible rapid and
116、 incoherent talk, unintelligible nonsense.The whole sentence means that in every nonsense.The whole sentence means that in every publication in America today, there are pages that would be publication in America today, there are pages that would be considered by those who insist on formal, precise,
117、pedantic considered by those who insist on formal, precise, pedantic usage of language to be uncontrolled, incoherent and usage of language to be uncontrolled, incoherent and unintelligible nonsense. unintelligible nonsense. 56. 56. Not that they areNot that they are: : they are not pages of unbutto
118、ned they are not pages of unbuttoned gibberish.gibberish.57. 57. you canyou can t hold the language of one generation up as t hold the language of one generation up as a model for the nexta model for the next: : You canYou can t put forward the language t put forward the language of one generation a
119、s an example for the next generation to of one generation as an example for the next generation to follow.follow.58. 58. The issue of the The issue of the New York TimesNew York Times which which hailedhailed and nineteen others which are and nineteen others which are condemned in the Secondcondemne
120、d in the Second: : This is a long This is a long complex sentence with four attributive clauses in it. complex sentence with four attributive clauses in it. In the main sentence the subject is the word In the main sentence the subject is the word issueissue and the predicate is and the predicate is
121、usedused. .59. 59. Washington PostWashington Post: : American daily newspaper, American daily newspaper, more critical than New York Timesmore critical than New York Times60. 60. captionedcaptioned: : entitled, with the heading of entitled, with the heading of61. 61. hang on tohang on to: : retain,
122、not sell or give to others retain, not sell or give to others62. 62. journaljournal: : a daily newspaper, any newspaper, a daily newspaper, any newspaper, magazine, or other periodicalmagazine, or other periodical63. 63. periodicalperiodical: : a publication coming out at regular a publication comin
123、g out at regular intervals, as weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc.intervals, as weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc.64. 64. If the editorials were serious, the public If the editorials were serious, the public and the and the stockholdersstockholders - have reason to be grateful that the - have reason to b
124、e grateful that the writers on these publications are more literate than writers on these publications are more literate than the editorsthe editors: : It is a lucky thing that the writers on these It is a lucky thing that the writers on these publications are not as ignorant as the editors. If the
125、publications are not as ignorant as the editors. If the editorials were serious, the editors would stick to the editorials were serious, the editors would stick to the language described in a dictionary compiled in the 30s, and language described in a dictionary compiled in the 30s, and if they did
126、so, their publications would be unreadable and if they did so, their publications would be unreadable and nobody would subscribe to them and as a result, they would nobody would subscribe to them and as a result, they would cease to bring profits to their shareholders. Note the cease to bring profit
127、s to their shareholders. Note the sarcastic tone here.sarcastic tone here.65. 65. literateliterate: well-educated, showing extensive knowledge, : well-educated, showing extensive knowledge, learning or culture.learning or culture.66. 66. currentcurrent: : commonly used, known, accepted, prevalent (e
128、.g. commonly used, known, accepted, prevalent (e.g. a current term)a current term)67. 67. respectablerespectable: : proper, correct. Cf: proper, correct. Cf: respectful, respectiverespectful, respective68. 68. a single certaintya single certainty: : something definite with no something definite with
129、 no alternatives.alternatives.69. 69. wagerwager: : same as bet same as bet70. 70. But neither his vanity nor his purse is any But neither his vanity nor his purse is any concern of the dictionaryconcern of the dictionary s s: : it must record the it must record the fact: A dictionary should record
130、the fact without fact: A dictionary should record the fact without bothering whether it can satisfy the vanity of bothering whether it can satisfy the vanity of those who use a dictionary to prove their those who use a dictionary to prove their unyielding position in an argument or help those unyiel
131、ding position in an argument or help those who bet some money in support of their who bet some money in support of their conviction.conviction.PursePurse: : ( (synecdochesynecdoche) represents money) represents money71. 71. So with pronunciationSo with pronunciation: : A dictionary cannot A dictiona
132、ry cannot always be absolute in the matter of pronunciation, always be absolute in the matter of pronunciation, either.either.72. 72. Has he been betrayed?Has he been betrayed?: : Has he been let Has he been let down? Has the dictionary failed to meet his down? Has the dictionary failed to meet his
133、hopes?hopes?73. 73. abdicated its responsibilityabdicated its responsibility: : given up or neglected its given up or neglected its responsibility, failed to do its duty.responsibility, failed to do its duty.74. 74. Not because of the distinction of these particular Not because of the distinction of
134、 these particular speakersspeakers: : Elliptical, wi the main clause omitted. The Elliptical, wi the main clause omitted. The missing part might be: missing part might be: “ “ It avoids making a It avoids making a choicechoice”Distinction:Distinction: high social position; fame; high social position
135、; fame; eminence.eminence.75. 75. lexicography, like God, is no respecter of personslexicography, like God, is no respecter of persons: : Lexicography is a science and its judgment, like the Lexicography is a science and its judgment, like the judgment of God, cannot be swayed by anybody no matter j
136、udgment of God, cannot be swayed by anybody no matter what high social position he may occupy.what high social position he may occupy.76. 76. But because so widespread and conspicuous a use But because so widespread and conspicuous a use of two pronunciationsof two pronunciations there are two there
137、 are two pronunciationspronunciations: : Another elliptical sentence. See not 75. Another elliptical sentence. See not 75. The whole sentence would read: The whole sentence would read: “ “It avoids making a choice It avoids making a choice not because of the distinctionnot because of the distinction
138、 but because but because there are there are two pronunciations.two pronunciations.” ”77. 77. elevationelevation: : a high place or positiona high place or position78. 78. the usual bombinations about the usual bombinations about “ “abdication of abdication of authorityauthority” ” and and “ “barbar
139、ismbarbarism” ”: : bombination means bombination means the unpleasant buzzing of flies. It refers to some the unpleasant buzzing of flies. It refers to some peoplepeople s complaint that Websters complaint that Webster s Third has given s Third has given up its role as an authority on the use of wor
140、ds and up its role as an authority on the use of words and therefore has degraded the English language. therefore has degraded the English language. Barbarism means the use of words and expressions Barbarism means the use of words and expressions not standard in a language.not standard in a language
141、.79. 79. pretentious and obscure verbositypretentious and obscure verbosity: : PretentiousPretentious suggests affectedly grand or suggests affectedly grand or superior.superior.ObscureObscure: : not clear, confusing. not clear, confusing. VerbosityVerbosity: : wordiness wordiness80. 80. instancesin
142、stances: : cites as an example. cites as an example. 81. 81. groovegroove: : a long narrow furrow or hollow cut in a a long narrow furrow or hollow cut in a surface with a toolsurface with a tool82. 82. Revolving as one of four leavesRevolving as one of four leaves: : refers to the revolving refers
143、to the revolving door consisting of four vanes hung on a central axle, and door consisting of four vanes hung on a central axle, and turned around by pushing on one of the vanesturned around by pushing on one of the vanes83. 83. Man-in-the-street attitudeMan-in-the-street attitude: : attitude held b
144、y the attitude held by the average, ordinary person. average, ordinary person. 84. 84. But if so, he has walked into one of lexicographyBut if so, he has walked into one of lexicography s s biggest booby trapsbiggest booby traps: the belief that the obvious is easy : the belief that the obvious is e
145、asy to define. But if he does so, then he has fallen unawares to define. But if he does so, then he has fallen unawares into one of the biggest traps in dictionary making, that is, into one of the biggest traps in dictionary making, that is, believing that the obvious things are easy to define.belie
146、ving that the obvious things are easy to define.85. 85. Challenges definitionChallenges definition: : defies definition, offers great defies definition, offers great difficulties for definitiondifficulties for definition86. 86. Dr. JohnsonDr. Johnson: : Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), English Samuel Joh
147、nson (1709-1784), English lexicographer, writer, and critic; known as the Dr. Johnson lexicographer, writer, and critic; known as the Dr. Johnson who, almost single-handedly complied the first influential who, almost single-handedly complied the first influential dictionary in English in 1755.dictio
148、nary in English in 1755.87. 87. On just this scoreOn just this score: : for just this reason, on just for just this reason, on just this pointthis point88. 88. Any thing reticulated or decussatedAny thing reticulated or decussated intersections:Reticulatedintersections:Reticulated: divided into smal
149、l : divided into small squares or intersecting lines.squares or intersecting lines.DecussatedDecussated: : crossed crossed or cut so as to form an X. It is not a commonly or cut so as to form an X. It is not a commonly used word.Interstice: a small or narrow space used word.Interstice: a small or na
150、rrow space between things or parts between things or parts Intersection: Intersection: the point or the point or line where two lines or surfaces meet or cross.line where two lines or surfaces meet or cross.89. 89. Good for a laughGood for a laugh: : sure to result in a laugh. sure to result in a la
151、ugh.90. 90. In the merrimentIn the merriment: : while laughing at the while laughing at the defintiondefintion91. 91. No one has yet come up with a definitionNo one has yet come up with a definition: : no no one has yet proposed or produced a better one has yet proposed or produced a better definiti
152、ondefinition92. 92. ThatThat s simple, all right s simple, all right: : That is certainly simple, That is certainly simple, but that leads us nowhere. but that leads us nowhere. All rightAll right is added with is added with sarcasm, it is frequently used in retorts.sarcasm, it is frequently used in
153、 retorts.93. 93. Anyone who attemptsAnyone who attemptsa log cabina log cabin: : anyone anyone who attempts to define the word door canwho attempts to define the word door can t go back t go back to the log cabins. In those days when people lived to the log cabins. In those days when people lived in
154、 log cabins, the definition of the word door could in log cabins, the definition of the word door could be very simple, but it is not so now.be very simple, but it is not so now.94. 94. ProliferationProliferation: : multiplying rapidly, increasing multiplying rapidly, increasing profuselyprofusely95
155、. 95. Anyone who tries to thread his way Anyone who tries to thread his way throughthroughdoordoor: : anyone who tries to sort out the anyone who tries to sort out the many meanings now included under many meanings now included under doordoor96. 96. What ofWhat of = what about= what about97. 97. Jet
156、s of airJets of air: air doors.: air doors. A curtain of air blows across the A curtain of air blows across the threshold where a door usu. is. It is used in combination threshold where a door usu. is. It is used in combination with an air conditioner in hot climate to prevent hot air from with an a
157、ir conditioner in hot climate to prevent hot air from coming and cold air from going ing and cold air from going out.98. 98. Set offSet off: : mark off, demarcate, mark off, demarcate, 99. 99. The fine print in the leaseThe fine print in the lease: : “ “leaselease” ” here means a here means a contra
158、ct by which a landlord gives a tenant the use of a contract by which a landlord gives a tenant the use of a room or rooms for a specified time and for fixed payment. room or rooms for a specified time and for fixed payment. The major conditions of the lease are usually printed in The major condition
159、s of the lease are usually printed in large characters (large print). But some quite important large characters (large print). But some quite important provisions may be printed in very small characters (fine provisions may be printed in very small characters (fine print) by the landlord to dupe (tr
160、ick or deceive) his tenant print) by the landlord to dupe (trick or deceive) his tenant because the landlord doesnbecause the landlord doesn t expect the tenant to read the t expect the tenant to read the fine print. These parts in fine print may include such details fine print. These parts in fine
161、print may include such details as the number of rooms, furniture, etc.as the number of rooms, furniture, etc.100. 100. GyppedGypped: : (colloquial) swindled, cheated(colloquial) swindled, cheated101. 101. Folding contraptionFolding contraption: : contraption is a contraption is a contrivance, gadget
162、 or device, that one does not contrivance, gadget or device, that one does not fully understand. Here it refers to the accordionlike fully understand. Here it refers to the accordionlike thing that can be folded back.thing that can be folded back.102. 102. PreferencePreference: : act of preferring,
163、being preferred, act of preferring, being preferred, oneone s first choice. The phrase s first choice. The phrase “ “in preference to in preference to ” ” can be paraphrased here as can be paraphrased here as “ “rather thanrather than” ” e.g.s: e.g.s:He has a preference for contemporary literature.
164、He has a preference for contemporary literature. I I ll buy the green one in preference to others.ll buy the green one in preference to others.I I ve no preferences. Itve no preferences. It s up to you to decides up to you to decide. .103. 103. Which raised the PostWhich raised the Post s blood pres
165、sures blood pressure: : which made the Post angrywhich made the Post angry104. 104. terrainterrain: : a geographic term, meaning a ground a geographic term, meaning a ground or a tract of ground with regard to its natural or a tract of ground with regard to its natural features. Here it means a fiel
166、d, an area.features. Here it means a field, an area.105. Open to honest, and informed, disagreement105. Open to honest, and informed, disagreement: : openopen: free to be argued or contested; not settled or decided. : free to be argued or contested; not settled or decided. honesthonest: not slandero
167、us.: not slanderous. i informednformed: : not biased, or ignorant. E.g, not biased, or ignorant. E.g, (1) Honest and educated people may have sufficient reasons (1) Honest and educated people may have sufficient reasons to disagree with much of it. to disagree with much of it. (2) Our plan is tentat
168、ive. It (2) Our plan is tentative. It s open to suggestions and s open to suggestions and criticisms.criticisms.106. 106. The removal of guides toThe removal of guides tothe valuable space it the valuable space it savedsaved: : Though the removal of guides to pronunciation Though the removal of guid
169、es to pronunciation saved valuable space, the inconvenience caused by it seems saved valuable space, the inconvenience caused by it seems not worth the space saved (implying the guides t not worth the space saved (implying the guides t pronunciation should not have been removed)pronunciation should
170、not have been removed)107. 107. Talking ignorant and pretentious nonsenseTalking ignorant and pretentious nonsense: : as if as if talking about something very important but in reality talking about something very important but in reality something ignorant and foolish.something ignorant and foolish.结束语结束语谢谢大家聆听！谢谢大家聆听！42
