Dictionaries are not just books; they are windows into the evolution of language, culture, and society. This curated list of documentaries delves into the meticulous world of lexicography, showcasing the passion, dedication, and sometimes the eccentricity behind the creation of these linguistic treasures. Whether you're a word enthusiast, a language learner, or simply curious about how words shape our world, these films will enrich your understanding and appreciation of dictionaries.
The Professor and the Madman (2019)
Description: This film tells the story of the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary, focusing on the unlikely partnership between a professor and a patient in an asylum. It's a tale of obsession, madness, and the love of words.
Fact: The film is based on the book by Simon Winchester, which itself is based on real events. The character of Dr. Minor was actually an American Civil War surgeon who contributed over 10,000 entries to the OED.
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The People's Dictionary (2012)
Description: This documentary explores how the public contributed to the making of the Oxford English Dictionary, highlighting the democratic nature of language development.
Fact: The film features interviews with volunteers who submitted words and definitions, showcasing the diverse backgrounds of contributors.
30 Days Free The Dictionary Wars (2010)
Description: A look into the fierce competition between dictionary publishers in the 19th and 20th centuries, revealing the battles over definitions, spellings, and the very essence of language.
Fact: The film includes archival footage of lexicographers debating over the inclusion of new words like "ain't" and "OK."
30 Days Free The Word Makers (2008)
Description: This documentary follows the lives of modern lexicographers, showing the process of word selection, definition writing, and the challenges of keeping dictionaries up-to-date.
Fact: It features a behind-the-scenes look at the Merriam-Webster dictionary, including how they decide which new words to include.
30 Days Free The Secret Life of Dictionaries (2017)
Description: An intimate look at the world of dictionary making, exploring the personal stories of lexicographers and the impact of their work on language preservation.
Fact: The film includes interviews with Kory Stamper, a lexicographer who wrote a book about her experiences in dictionary making.
30 Days Free Words and Their Ways (2015)
Description: This documentary examines the historical and cultural significance of dictionaries, from ancient times to the digital age, showing how they reflect societal changes.
Fact: It features a segment on the first known dictionary, the "Erya," from ancient China.
30 Days Free The Dictionary Project (2013)
Description: A unique documentary that follows a project to create a dictionary for a fictional language, exploring the creative process and the role of dictionaries in world-building.
Fact: The project was inspired by the fictional language of Na'vi from the movie "Avatar."
30 Days Free The Language of Words (2009)
Description: This film delves into the etymology of words, showing how dictionaries serve as a bridge between past and present, and how language evolves.
Fact: It includes a segment on how the word "nerd" entered the English language.
30 Days Free The Dictionary Revolution (2014)
Description: An exploration of how dictionaries have influenced revolutions in thought, from the Enlightenment to modern-day social movements, through the power of words.
Fact: The film discusses how the French Revolution was partly fueled by the spread of literacy and the use of dictionaries.
30 Days Free Wordsmiths (2016)
Description: A documentary that profiles the lives of contemporary lexicographers, focusing on their dedication to preserving and evolving language through dictionaries.
Fact: It features a segment on the challenges of defining slang and internet terminology in modern dictionaries.
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