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Johnson, the Dictionary, the Wiki and the Web

Episode 2 of 5

David Crystal, a celebrated writer on the English language, ponders what Samuel Johnson's reaction would be to the internet and contemporary word-gathering machinery.

Four contemporary writers reflect on the mighty linguistic shadow left by the compiler of the first great dictionary of the English language, Samuel Johnson. Johnson's monumental Dictionary set the standard; after Johnson had pronounced, English could never be the same again.

In this series four very different writers from across the world reflect on the Johnsonian linguistic heritage as it plays out in their own world and their own lives. David Crystal, acclaimed writer on the English language, ponders Johnson's reaction to contemporary word-gathering machinery.

Producer: Marya Burgess
(repeat).

15 minutes

Last on

Mon 23 Aug 2010 23:00

Broadcasts

  • Tue 15 Sep 2009 23:00
  • Mon 23 Aug 2010 23:00

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