Close Reading #3 (11/17)

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/03/opinion/lies-murder-lexicography-dictionary.html?pagewanted=1&ref=opinion

In the article "Lies! Murder! Lexicography!" written by Ben Zimmer, sets the story straight on a dictionary scandal.  Zimmer takes a humorous approach using diction, syntax, and  to make the previous accusations toward the Oxford English Dictionary, that they omitted words from their dictionary, seem ridiculous.

The most obvious way Zimmer achieves this is through diction.  Words such as "juicier," "shoddy," and "cooked-up," are used when describing the gossip that surrounded the issue when the false report appeared.  These words might be found in the dictionary, but they are not words you would use if writing about a serious issue.  Using more "slang" words gives the impression that a silly topic deserves silly words.  Zimmer even makes up the word "wordhood" to poke fun at the admission of new words into the dictionary.

The scandal involving the dictionary is also made absurd using syntax.  For example Zimmer wrote, "All of this over some editorial decisions about dictionary entries several decades ago!" about the scandal.  The use of the exclamation point changes the tone of the sentence to emphasize Zimmer's disbelief.  Another sentence that utilizes syntax is, "How does a media-generated “scandal” like this get cooked up in the first place, especially involving a profession as unglamorous as lexicography?"  Placing a question in the article interrupts the flow and makes the reader stop.  Like the previous example, using a question here also emphasizes disbelief and brings attention to the fact that dictionaries aren't interesting.

Lastly, Zimmer uses language to prove that any gossip about dictionaries is idiotic.  When Zimmer provides the image that the offices of Oxford English Dictionary headquarters as "battlegrounds where the fate of the language is decided," or as "shadowy enterprises with secret, back-room meetings" you can't help but find humor in the ludicrous situation.  Rendering the scandal about the dictionary as ridiculous takes away all of it's credibility, as Zimmer intended.  The author certainly achieved this goal with his use of diction, syntax, and language.