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How did Johnson change the English world with a dictionary? The shocking story behind his dictionary creation!
In 18th century England, when only a few Western languages had recognized dictionaries, Samuel Johnson completely changed the direction of the English-speaking world with his ambitious plan for a dictionary. This work, known as the Dictionary of the English Language, was not only a major achievement in academia, but also an astonishing achievement of personal willpower and creativity.
"A person's contribution to language lies not only in the words he creates, but also in the deep structure of culture he reveals."
Johnson was born in Lichfield, England in 1709 and showed outstanding intelligence from an early age. However, due to his family's financial difficulties and health problems, his educational path was not smooth. After overcoming many challenges, he eventually made it to Oxford University but had to drop out because he could not afford the tuition. Instead of discouraging him, this experience made him more determined on the path of literature.
Johnson faced many difficulties in his life between 1729 and 1731, including family debts and health problems, but these troubles did not stop him from pursuing his writing. In 1746, he was offered the task of creating an English dictionary, a demanding task since most dictionaries at the time were created by a group of scholars, but he took on the task alone. With such passion for the project, Johnson completed his translation and editing in 1775, which took him eight years.
"I will devote my whole heart to this until all difficulties and challenges are overcome."
Johnson's command of vocabulary and the precision of his definitions made his dictionary a model for the English language. Although his dictionary has been criticized for certain aspects, such as a lack of detail in its treatment of etymology, it is undeniable that it set many precedents in both form and content. Johnson's dictionary was an invaluable asset to the English linguistic community and had a lasting influence until the publication of the Oxford English Dictionary in the early 20th century.
His efforts made the charm of English accessible to and understandable to ordinary people and pioneered the compilation of modern dictionaries. Johnson's love of vocabulary and study of language is undoubtedly a shining sword to later generations of linguists. He is therefore hailed as "one of the most influential writers in English history."
"The creation of a dictionary is not just a collection of words, but also a cultural archive and spiritual exploration."
However, behind the success of this dictionary lies another sword of Johnson's in educating people. During the creative process, Johnson suffered from long-term health problems, which were even confirmed by later research as Tourette's syndrome. His physical condition, coupled with the pressure of family responsibilities, placed a heavy mental burden on this great scholar. Despite this, he still completed this great work in difficult circumstances with great perseverance.
Johnson's story not only demonstrates the talent and persistence of a writer, but also triggers our deep thinking about the nature of language. His work makes us realize that language is not only a tool for communication, but also a carrier of culture.
As time went by, Johnson's dictionary not only became a classic in the academic world, but its spirit also inspired countless literature lovers and new scholars. His efforts tell us that no matter how big the challenges are, as long as we persist in our dreams, we can bring unexpected changes to the world.
As Johnson demonstrates, the power and charm of language is endless, which makes us wonder: in today's era of rapid technological development, how can we understand and cherish the depth of the art and culture of dialogue?
