Erin McKean: The joy of lexicography

The video explores the role of lexicographers and the challenges they face in compiling dictionaries. It highlights the historical context of dictionaries, the impact of technology, and the limitations of current dictionary formats. The speaker advocates for a more inclusive approach to lexicography, using the internet and crowdsourcing to document all words and meanings. The goal is to create a comprehensive dictionary that reflects the entire language, moving away from artificial distinctions between 'good' and 'bad' words.

What is the 'ham butt problem' and how does it relate to language?

How does the speaker propose to improve the understanding of words in the English language?

What role does the Internet play in the collection of words according to the speaker?

What does the speaker suggest about the relationship between dictionaries and the English language?