[Lexicog] Re: Difficult words

[Rudolph Troike]

I have a pretty good visual memory for the spelling of words, but when
I'm unsure, I usually -- not always like Ken -- consult a dictionary. But
Jonathan is thinking only of print versions when he says "the dictionary"
(NB: there isn't any such critter) "has (almost) lost one of its uses."
I installed the CD-ROM version of the Concise Oxford Dictionary on my
computer, and use it several times a week. It's much handier than getting
up from my computer and going in another room to consult a print dictionary
(though I still do, but usually for other purposes). Probably most
people -- certainly my students -- are not as punctilious about spelling
as I am, and rely increasingly on spell-check programs, but many are
probably consulting online dictionaries rather than print versions. It is
indeed possible that more people are consulting dictionaries now than in
the past, but simply in a different form, since these versions are more
comfortable and convenient to use.

     Rudy

>
> POSTED BY: "KENNETH C. HILL"  KENNETHCHILL at YAHOO.COM         Wed Jun 
> 14, 2006 6:50 pm (PST)
>
> When in doubt about a spelling I *always* consult the dictionary.
>
> --Ken Hill
>
> jkrimer  wrote:                               Greetings,
>
>  I believe the dictionary has (almost) lost one of its uses.
>  Although spelling is still of some importance when communicating with
>  the written word, the dictionary is not our first choice when
>  confirming spelling. The average person uses a computer much more
>  often and is more willing to turn on a computer than pick up a
>  dictionary.
>
>  What do you think?
>
>  Jonathan




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