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Subject:Comparing AHD editions From:"Krahn, Al" <AKRA -at- MUSIC -dot- LIB -dot- MATC -dot- EDU> Date:Sun, 10 Apr 1994 01:45:10 CST
There really is no way of comparing the list of basic entries in
a dictionary from one edition to the next, at least not in the
printed versions. One really has to take on faith that the
lexicographers have in some way improved some entries and included
a lot of newer words and left out dying words.
However, I can tell you my experience with the 3rd edition of AHD.
I ordered it sight unseen as a required text for my students.
I based my order on the 2nd edition's contents and I didn't expect
them to make any signficant changes.
When the book arrived, I found that one of the features I ordered it
for had been dropped -- the essays in the front of the dictionary,
which I wanted the students to read. I may change dictionaries next
year because they did this. Webster's New World has a good reputation
and has solid definitions.
One way to test a dictionary is to have some test words to see how they
discriminate among them. I use SIGN, SIGNAL, and SYMBOL. Some
these three words. The word SYMBOL captures the word fairly well, but
SIGNAL and SIGN are a bit circular. Some meanings of SIGNAL are missing
and SIGN is a data dump which could use more examples. Only a C+ here.
I haven't checked WNW on these words lately. I don't have a current
edition.
I also wonder about the definition of the word DEFINITION in the AHD.
Also, their definition of EXTEMPORANEOUS does not agree with what is
taught in most speech courses. They make it synonymous with IMPROMPTU.
There you have it -- one person's view of the new AHD. I was robbed.
AKRA
Albert E. Krahn E-Mail AKRA -at- MUSIC -dot- LIB -dot- MATC -dot- EDU
Division of Lib. Arts and Sciences Fax 414/297-7990
Milwaukee Area Technical College Ph (H) 414/476-4025
Milwaukee, WI 53233-1443 Ph (W) 414/297-6519
