- 1. A Dictionary of the English Language by Samuel Johnson, first published in 1755, is a seminal work in the history of lexicography and is widely regarded as one of the most influential dictionaries in the English language. Johnson, an esteemed writer and literary figure of the 18th century, undertook the monumental task of compiling this dictionary at a time when the English language was still evolving and lacked standardization. The dictionary consists of over 40,000 entries, each of which not only provides word definitions but also includes illustrative quotations from notable literature, capturing the rich nuances and contexts of usage. Johnson's meticulous attention to detail and his philosophy that dictionaries should reflect literary excellence are showcased throughout the text, making it not just a reference tool but also a testament to the beauty and complexity of the English language. His work democratized access to linguistic knowledge, paving the way for subsequent dictionaries and fundamentally shaping the way English is understood, taught, and communicated. The dictionary's influence extends beyond linguistics; it represents a cultural milestone, embodying the intellectual spirit of the Enlightenment and marking a significant step towards the professionalization of lexicography.
Who was the author of 'A Dictionary of the English Language'?
A) Noah Webster
B) John Milton
C) Charles Dickens
D) Samuel Johnson
- 2. In which year was Johnson's dictionary first published?
A) 1775
B) 1755
C) 1745
D) 1765
- 3. What criticism did Johnson face regarding his dictionary?
A) Bias in definitions
B) Too many entries
C) Lack of pronunciation guides
D) Inaccuracy in spelling
- 4. Which of the following best describes Johnson's approach to language?
A) Descriptive
B) Prescriptive
C) Narrative
D) Experimental
- 5. In addition to being a lexicographer, Johnson was also known as a?
A) Politician
B) Philosopher
C) Writer and critic
D) Scientist
- 6. What major work did Johnson complete after the dictionary?
A) The Federalist Papers
B) The Lives of the Poets
C) The Canterbury Tales
D) The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
- 7. Johnson was also known for his work in?
A) Biographical sketches
B) Historical fiction
C) Literary criticism
D) Political essays
- 8. Which of the following was a primary aim of Johnson’s dictionary?
A) To translate English into Latin
B) To standardize English spelling
C) To simplify grammar rules
D) To promote British literature
- 9. How long did Johnson work on his dictionary?
A) Five years
B) Ten years
C) Nine years
D) Twelve years
- 10. Which of these publications was directly influenced by Johnson's dictionary?
A) The Oxford English Dictionary
B) Chambers Dictionary
C) Webster's Dictionary
D) Harvard Law Review
- 11. Johnson claimed that the purpose of a dictionary was to?
A) Preserve the language
B) Change the language
C) Promote poetry
D) Simplify communication
- 12. The preface of Johnson's dictionary is famous for discussing?
A) The nature of lexicography
B) Historical events
C) Literary analysis
D) Philosophical ideas
- 13. Which of the following did Johnson think was important for understanding words?
A) Word origins
B) Context
C) Synonyms
D) Pronunciation
- 14. Johnson's dictionary primarily contributed to which field?
A) Mathematics
B) Lexicography
C) Physics
D) Biology
- 15. Johnson used which of the following to help define words?
A) Quotations from literature
B) Historical documents
C) Personal anecdotes
D) Charts and graphs
- 16. In what city did Johnson compile his dictionary?
A) New York
B) Paris
C) Edinburgh
D) London
|