ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IN THE DICTIONARY

Most dictionaries contain a lot more information other than pronunciation, etymology, part of speech, and definitions. They may contain articles and charts on the history of the language, current correct usage, lists of biographical data, along with basic grammar and punctuation rules to mention just a few. Some dictionaries contain coloured maps and photographs. Explore the Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary by finding the answers to the following questions. If you are not using this dictionary, see how many of the questions can be answered from the one you are using.

Exercise 14

1. Who was a man named Polycarpe and where exactly did he live?

2. How would you write the salutation of a letter to the American Ambassador in Ottawa?

3. Where is Laurentian University?

4. What is the chemical symbol for titanium?

5. What symbol means per thousand?

6. What does the abbreviation SASE mean?

7. What is the meaning of these phrases?

a) fiat lux

b) enfants perdus

8. When should you use a colon in your writing?

9. What is the correct name for the punctuation mark that looks like this /?

10. Look up the entry word diacritic and explain the terms

a) macron

b) breve

c) diaeresis

In what part of the dictionary entry would you expect to find these diacritical marks used?