Advanced Lexicography and Etymology • Sequence • Lenny.com

Advanced Lexicography and Etymology

This undergraduate-level sequence explores the academic field of lexicography, focusing on historical dictionary principles, etymological tracing of Indo-European roots, and the tension between descriptive and prescriptive linguistics. Students develop proficiency in using the OED and specialized disciplinary glossaries to produce a comprehensive 'word biography' as a final project.

OED Historical Principles

Introduces students to the historical principles of the Oxford English Dictionary, focusing on how to interpret complex entries and trace semantic shifts over centuries.

Etymology and Cognates

Explores the methodology of etymological research, tracing words back to Proto-Indo-European roots and identifying cognates across multiple languages.

Disciplinary Dictionaries

Analyzes how specialized fields define terms differently, comparing legal, medical, and scientific reference works to understand contextual polysemy.

Usage and Prescriptivism Debate

Examines the debate between descriptivism and prescriptivism through usage guides and style manuals, critiquing how 'standard' English is codified.

Lexical Synthesis Workshop

A culminating workshop where students synthesize their research skills to draft a comprehensive word biography using various reference tools.

Advanced Lexicography and Etymology

This undergraduate-level sequence explores the academic field of lexicography, focusing on historical dictionary principles, etymological tracing of Indo-European roots, and the tension between descriptive and prescriptive linguistics. Students develop proficiency in using the OED and specialized disciplinary glossaries to produce a comprehensive 'word biography' as a final project.