Bar bets, Scrabble fights, or the Dictionary Game: The dictionary has long been the answer, but the so-called “answer-for-everything” book has a long and surprising history we can explore through interactive exercises and discussion. The dictionary has also been a source of conflict over racial slurs, proper usage, spelling and related matters. Various dictionaries disagree on all these issues. To understand why, we will visit with dictionary creators Samuel Johnson and Daniel Webster, review the development of the ultimate dictionary (the OED), and see what happens when the dictionary goes online in contemporary times.

Instructor Alice Horning is retired from Oakland University where she taught linguistics and writing for more than 30 years.

This class meets on Mondays, from February 14 – March 7. No classes on holidays.

Pre-registration is required via the OLLI website or phone. A link to access the study group will be e-mailed to you approximately one week prior to the first session.