AlISON WATERS, publisher of ElT dictionaries and reference grammar speaks with SHAlINI SAKSENA about the importance of grammar in daily lives
What makes the dictionary by Oxford Press so popularIJ
First, it is one of its kind of a dictionary that came out back in the 19th century. Second, a lot of hard work goes into its compilation. We have managed to keep our reputation intact all through. The fact that we have also incorporated widely used words from other languages into the dictionary makes us the best in the industry.
Do you think that new words have changed English as a languageIJ
For any language to progress, it must change with times. If a language doesn’t change, it losses its usage over time. For any language to survive it needs to have the ability to mould itself. The fact that English has become what it is today by taking words from different languages means that it is a versatile language. It has become the first language and second language for so many countries across the globe ensuring that it will continue to grow.
How important is the usage of dictionaries in classroomsIJ
All students must refer to it but first one must be able to make the distinction between a normal dictionary and an English language Teaching (ElT) dictionary. A normal dictionary will give you meaning of words, whereas an ElT dictionary will not only give you the meaning in a more simplified manner, it will give you the correct pronunciation, how it should be used and in what context. The best part is that it has footnotes. If it is a foreign word, for example jugaad(the word has been added into the dictionary recently), along with explaining the meaning of the term it will also be mentioned in the dictionary that it is a word that can be used informally and not in formal written English.
All this information gives the student consulting the ElT dictionary an indepth knowledge about the word, its origin and best way to use it.
There have been learning problems at the primary level in the UK. What are the changes that are taking placeIJ
There are several problems. But nothing that can’t be addressed with a proper system in place. And it is not just the primary level where the problem lies. It has been found that 17-year-olds can’t tell the difference between an adjective or an adverb. This is unfortunate. This doesn’t mean that the teachers are incompetent, it is the education system that is to be blamed.
You were a part of a workshop on the use of ElT dictionary. Is grammar lacking in our schoolsIJ
Not at all. In fact, the workshop was attended by teachers from different boards. It was amazing to see the enthusiasm among them on wanting to know the latest grammar updates and the usage of the dictionary.
How important is it to be grammatically correctIJ
The answer would be subjective. If the language is being spoken in order to just communicate it does not matter whether one makes a few grammatical errors like saying ‘you are a teacher ain’t it’ instead of saying ‘you are a teacher are you not’. Also using abbreviations like should’ve do not matter. But if you are a professional who wants to further your education, go for a job and move ahead in life it is important that the person use correct words. In a CV, if there are errors, it gives the impression that the person has a non-serious attitude.
What is the criteria for choosing a word from other languagesIJ
A lot of research goes into it. We have teams that monitor the words that are being used. Recently, selfie (taking a self picture with a smartphone) has been declared as the word of the year. It all started with a drunk man in Australia taking his picture and posting it way back in 2002. With mixing of cultures and traditions, many foreign words are bound to find their way into the dictionary.