The lexicography of Scots

Scott, MR

Abstract

This chapter considers the history of Scots dictionaries in relation to their purposes and the dominant contemporary perceptions of the Scots language. The twenty-first century Scots Dictionary for Schools (Scots Abc) mobile phone application encourages literacy and creativity in Scots. Thomas Ruddiman’s glossary (1710) assisted readers of Gavin Douglas’ translation of Virgil’s Aeneid, Eneados (1513). In his Etymological Dictionary of the Scottish Language (1808-1825), John Jamieson followed the Vernacular Revivalists, seeking to preserve and celebrate the language. A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (1931-2002) includes lexis shared with England, while the Scottish National Dictionary (1931-1976; 2005) focuses on distinctive use. Although the online Dictionary of the Scots Language (2004) is a major achievement, there is more work to be done. Twentieth-century dictionaries prioritised rural over urban vocabulary, and the diversity of language in Scotland invites debate. This chapter proposes that Scotland would benefit from a new resource, the ‘Dictionary for Scotland’.

Citation

Scott, M. The lexicography of Scots. In The New Cambridge Companion to the History of the English Language. Cambridge University Press (CUP). Manuscript submitted for publication

• Deposit Date: Feb 14, 2022
• Book Title: The New Cambridge Companion to the History of the English Language