Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 34 minutes ago
The deputy chief editor of the Oxford English Dictionary joins us to talk about languages, dictionaries, and the Oxford English Dictionary.
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⏰Timestamps⏰:
0:20 What is the purpose of a dictionary?
1:55 How does descriptive and prescriptive view of dictionaries interact?
3:24 A historical angle to language and dictionaries?
5:17 What is a lexicographer?
7:00 How do dictionaries engage with sub-culture specific words?
11:22 How far should we extend the boundaries of the English language?
14:25 What is the historical context which led to the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary?
19:54 How do lexicographers focus on changes in language?
25:28 How has the OED changed over time?
30:08 How has technology helped transform the OED?
32:14 What is the core mission of the OED today?
35:12 What made the OED such an influential contribution?
38:20 What went into the creation of the second edition of the OED?
43:40 What was your biggest take aways from the process of putting together the second edition?
48:57 How does a word get added into the OED?
53:50 Should we snapshot words which may be ephemeral?
58:20 What is the role of intent in the importance of certain words?
1:00:03 Ais and Dictionaries
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If you found this video helpful, like and subscribe, and share this video with your friends!
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This video is brought to you by Philosophy Circle, my project to deliver clear, high-quality philosophy education: www.philosophy-circle.com.
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For podcast listeners, check out our podcast: bit.ly/phil4allpod
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Support my mission and gain exclusive perks:
patreon.com/christianityforall
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Join our newsletter on my website: josh-yen.com
Find me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joshuajwyen
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About the video:
The Oxford English Dictionary is one of the most prominent and influential dictionaries in the world. Edmund Weiner, the deputy chief editor, joins us to talk about the philosophy of language, the roles of dictionaries, and more. If you are interested in language, the development and history behind the Oxford English Dictionary and more, this is the video for you!
--
#joshuayen #english #dictionaries
The deputy chief editor of the Oxford English Dictionary joins us to talk about languages, dictionaries, and the Oxford English Dictionary.
--
⏰Timestamps⏰:
0:20 What is the purpose of a dictionary?
1:55 How does descriptive and prescriptive view of dictionaries interact?
3:24 A historical angle to language and dictionaries?
5:17 What is a lexicographer?
7:00 How do dictionaries engage with sub-culture specific words?
11:22 How far should we extend the boundaries of the English language?
14:25 What is the historical context which led to the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary?
19:54 How do lexicographers focus on changes in language?
25:28 How has the OED changed over time?
30:08 How has technology helped transform the OED?
32:14 What is the core mission of the OED today?
35:12 What made the OED such an influential contribution?
38:20 What went into the creation of the second edition of the OED?
43:40 What was your biggest take aways from the process of putting together the second edition?
48:57 How does a word get added into the OED?
53:50 Should we snapshot words which may be ephemeral?
58:20 What is the role of intent in the importance of certain words?
1:00:03 Ais and Dictionaries
--
If you found this video helpful, like and subscribe, and share this video with your friends!
--
This video is brought to you by Philosophy Circle, my project to deliver clear, high-quality philosophy education: www.philosophy-circle.com.
--
For podcast listeners, check out our podcast: bit.ly/phil4allpod
--
Support my mission and gain exclusive perks:
patreon.com/christianityforall
--
Join our newsletter on my website: josh-yen.com
Find me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joshuajwyen
--
Feel free to join my discord server:
discord.gg/8qdSy85SfD
--
About the video:
The Oxford English Dictionary is one of the most prominent and influential dictionaries in the world. Edmund Weiner, the deputy chief editor, joins us to talk about the philosophy of language, the roles of dictionaries, and more. If you are interested in language, the development and history behind the Oxford English Dictionary and more, this is the video for you!
--
#joshuayen #english #dictionaries










