Anne Curzan: What makes a word "real"?

The video explores the concept of what makes a word 'real' and the role of dictionaries in language. It discusses how language evolves, the human influence on dictionaries, and the process of selecting the word of the year. The speaker encourages a positive view of language change, highlighting the creativity and adaptability of English. The video concludes by emphasizing that language is shaped by its users, not just by dictionaries.

What are the two common reactions people have when they learn the speaker is an English professor?

• They become excited and ask for language advice.

• They ask about the speaker's favorite book.

• They inquire about the speaker's teaching methods.

• They become nervous and stop talking.

According to the speaker, what is often considered when people say a word isn't real?

• It doesn't have a clear definition.

• It is not grammatically correct.

• It is not used by many people.

• It doesn't appear in a standard dictionary.

What is the main role of dictionary editors as described by the speaker?

• To create new words.

• To keep up with language changes.

• To eliminate slang from dictionaries.

• To enforce strict language rules.

Where do dictionary editors and linguists gather to vote on the word of the year?

• Oxford University

• American Dialect Society annual meeting

• National Linguistics Conference

• International Language Symposium

What is the speaker's favorite category in the word of the year voting?

• Most used word

• Most popular word

• Most creative word

• Most controversial word

What is the purpose of usage notes in dictionaries?

• To offer guidance on troublesome words.

• To list all possible meanings of a word.

• To provide synonyms for words.

• To highlight the most popular words.

What historical figure expressed concern about the word 'colonize'?

• Benjamin Franklin

• Samuel Rogers

• David Hume

• Dean Henry Alford

How does the speaker suggest we view language change?

• As a fascinating and fun process.

• As something to be strictly controlled.

• As a threat to communication.

• As a sign of cultural decline.

What does the speaker say about the speed of language change?

• It changes too fast for us to keep up.

• It changes slowly and predictably.

• It rarely changes at all.

• It changes at a manageable pace.

According to the speaker, who ultimately decides what words mean?

• Linguists

• Dictionary editors

• The community of speakers

• Language academies