The English language is always changing and has a long, complicated history. One person who had a big impact on the English language was Dr. Samuel Johnson. He made a special kind of book called a dictionary that helped people understand and use English better.
Samuel Johnson was born on this day 18th September 1709, in Staffordshire, England. He grew up in a family that didn't have a lot of money. Even though he faced difficulties, he loved to read and was very smart. He went to a school called King Edward VI School in Lichfield, where he got even better at using language and learning about literature.
Later, he went to a college called Pembroke College, Oxford, but he had money problems, so he had to leave in 1729 without finishing his studies. Even though he didn't have a formal degree, he was really curious and kept learning. He became one of the most respected writers in English history.
Dr. Johnson's most famous work is his dictionary, which he finished in 1755. It was a huge job that took almost ten years, but it was worth it. His dictionary was different from others because it was very thorough and smart. He wrote down and explained more than 40,000 words, telling where they came from and how they were used. He also added interesting comments, which made the dictionary not just a boring book.
His dictionary didn't only organise English words, but it also helped make them used in a standard way. This means it gave everyone a common way to talk and understand each other when speaking or writing in English. People, especially scholars and writers, admired him a lot for this work.
But Dr. Johnson did more than just the dictionary. He wrote a lot of essays, like "The Rambler" and "The Idler," which showed how clever and wise he was. He talked about many different things, from everyday life to big ideas. His writings let us see how smart he was.
He also wrote about other writers in his book "Lives of the Poets." He told their life stories and talked about their work. This helped people learn more about these poets and made Johnson an important figure in studying English literature.
In the end, Dr. Samuel Johnson made a big impact on the English language and literature. His influence is still felt today, as we use English and appreciate words because of his hard work and love for learning. He left a big mark on the world of books and the way we talk and write in English.
Check your understanding
Who was Dr. Samuel Johnson, and what special kind of book did he create that had a significant impact on the English language?
When and where was Samuel Johnson born, and what were some of the challenges he faced during his early life?
Why did Samuel Johnson leave Pembroke College, Oxford, without completing his formal education, and how did this affect his future?
What makes Dr. Johnson's dictionary different from previous dictionaries, and how did it contribute to the standardisation of the English language?
Besides his dictionary, what other significant contributions did Samuel Johnson make to English literature, and how did these contributions influence the study of literature?
You can now listen to this article as a podcast just click here
If you find this practice useful please consider supporting the author from just £1 per month here
Comments