Dictionaries Quote by Steven Pinker
“People are under the impression that dictionaries legislate language. What a dictionary does is keep track of usages over time.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 2007
Dictionaries record language use rather than dictate it; they reflect evolving usage over time.
In simple terms: Dictionaries describe language, they don't control it.
Key Takeaway
Use dictionaries as guides, not rule‑makers.
Themes
language evolution
lexicography
communication
Mood
analytical
informative
Type
educational
practical
When to use this quote
- writing
- editing
- language teaching
- policy drafting
Key Concepts
semantic change
prescriptive vs descriptive linguistics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance dictionary guidance with living language?
- When should you trust a dictionary versus native speakers?
A Different Perspective
Relying solely on dictionaries can ignore emerging slang or dialects.
