Erin McKean’s Career Journey
Do you ever wonder how lexicographers come up with all those words and meanings in a dictionary? Erin McKean’s career journey is a testament to the dedication and passion required to thrive in this field.
Becoming a lexicographer
McKean’s journey began with a degree in linguistics from the University of Chicago. After graduation, she got her dream job as an editor for the Chicago Assyrian Dictionary, which cataloged the Akkadian language.
She then worked for Scott Foresman, a publisher of educational books, where she edited dictionaries for high school students. Finally, she landed a job at Oxford University Press, where she worked on creating English dictionaries.
It was during her time at Oxford that she began to notice the limitations of traditional dictionaries.
Founding Wordnik
McKean decided to launch Wordnik, a new online English dictionary, to challenge traditional dictionaries. With Wordnik, McKean hoped to create a dynamic, ever-updating resource that included not just standard definitions, but also examples of words being used in different contexts.
Wordnik would use technology to create a more comprehensive and accurate resource for people looking to better understand English words.
Transitioning to technology with IBM
From Wordnik, McKean transitioned to the world of technology, working for IBM. Her role was to work with developers to create applications and interfaces that could better recognize and understand language.
Her experience with Wordnik proved invaluable in this new role, as she was able to leverage her knowledge of lexicography to help developers better understand how users interact with language.
Dictionary Editing and Wordnik
One of the biggest challenges in maintaining a dictionary is editing and updating the content. McKean has a wealth of experience in this regard, having worked on both traditional and digital dictionaries.
Here are some insights into the dictionary editing workflow and Wordnik’s approach to defining words.
Dictionary editing workflow
It all starts with candidate words. These are words that may have new or alternative meanings that need to be defined.
The evidence for these words can come from a variety of sources, including books, magazines, and the internet. The editor reviews the evidence provided and decides whether to include the word in the dictionary.
The entry is then written, and a definition is created based on the evidence available. This process is repeated over and over until the entire dictionary is complete.
The editor also needs to keep an eye on the project management side of things, ensuring that the project stays within budget and that the dictionary is delivered on schedule. Once complete, the dictionary will need to be marketed to potential users, so the editor needs to work with the product marketing team to ensure that the dictionary is promoted effectively.
Wordnik’s approach to defining words
Wordnik’s approach to defining words is to gather as much evidence as possible to create a comprehensive definition. This means including not just standard definitions, but also example sentences, tweets, and user comments.
By including this additional evidence, Wordnik provides its users with a deeper understanding of how words are used in different contexts. It’s an innovative approach that has helped Wordnik become one of the most popular online dictionaries available today.
Conclusion
Erin McKean’s career journey is an excellent example of how passion and dedication can lead to success in any field. For anyone interested in language, lexicography, or tech, her journey is an inspiration to pursue your passions and never stop learning.
Whether it’s working on traditional dictionaries or embracing technology to redefine the way we understand language, McKean’s impact on the world of dictionaries has been nothing short of revolutionary.
Technology in Lexicography and IBM
The world of traditional lexicography was once a world of paper, ink, and manual labor. But the expansion of technology has revolutionized the way we create, manage, and access language data.
Today, technology enables modern dictionaries to be more comprehensive, efficient, and accessible than ever before. Among the pioneers in this field is IBM, which has leveraged technology to help redefine the way we understand the world of words.
Use of technology in modern dictionaries
Modern dictionaries rely heavily on technology to manage the vast amounts of data required to define words and their many meanings. The traditional dictionary consists of a myriad of loose-leaf files, with every aspect of word definitions updated separately.
Modern dictionaries use databases, such as MongoDB, to help streamline their data. These powerful database programs make it possible to search, modify, and add files simultaneously across a vast system; thus, speeding the process of updating and maintaining a dictionary.
XML (eXtensible Markup Language) is another essential technology in modern dictionaries. It allows lexicographers to organize and tag individual sections of data, making it easy to retrieve, update, and format.
It ensures that the dictionary content is consistent with what’s supported across all applications used to read it. Dictionary editors use sophisticated editing software, such as InDesign or QuarkXPress, that allows them to create and manage layouts for columns, typefaces, and fonts.
It has never been easier to ensure visual consistency throughout a dictionary, thanks to this software. Data conversion programs represent another critical technological advancement in lexicography.
Newer data conversion software like OCR (Optical Character Recognition) has the ability to scan physical texts (even handwritten texts) and then convert them into digital formats. This software also offers highly sophisticated data processing tools to analyze text across multiple formats.
Constant learning and updates in technology and lexicography
One of the most fascinating aspects of working with lexicography and technology is that they’re both ever-changing. While this can present challenges, it also keeps the field exciting and alive.
As new words and new technologies emerge, dictionary editors and software developers must continuously update and maintain their dictionary systems. It’s essential that anyone working in lexicography keeps up-to-date with the latest technology and the latest lexicographical insights.
This means attending conferences, workshops, and investing time in reading new journals and books. Regular updates of technology and lexicography tools make it possible for lexicographers to identify new words and their meanings.
New technologies like machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and artificial intelligence (AI) make it easier to identify and understand new words. By constantly learning, updating, and improving their tools, lexicographers can maintain a comprehensive and accurate dictionary that reflects the ever-evolving nature of our language.
Conclusion
Technology has revolutionized the field of lexicography. With advanced database programs, XML, OCR, and other sophisticated editing and data conversion software, lexicographers can manage and maintain an ever-evolving dictionary with ease.
The field of lexicography is a dynamic one, requiring constant updates and learning to keep up with new words and emerging technologies. IBM has been at the forefront of this revolution, leveraging technology to improve the way we define and understand words.
Their pioneering work in the field has enabled us to better manage and access massive amounts of language data. While the work of dictionaries may seem mundane to some, those in the field understand that it’s an essential part of preserving and understanding our language and culture.
The application of technology in lexicography has expanded its range and application, making it an even more essential tool for anyone looking to communicate clearly and effectively in today’s world. The application of technology in lexicography has revolutionized the way we create, manage, and access language data.
The use of databases, XML, sophisticated editing software, and data conversion programs has streamlined the process of updating and maintaining dictionaries and has made them more comprehensive, efficient, and accessible than ever before. The constant updates and learning of emerging technologies make it possible for lexicographers to identify new words and their meanings, and keep up with the ever-evolving nature of our language.
The importance of preserving and understanding our language and culture through lexicography cannot be understated, and the innovation and use of technology have expanded its range and application further.