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Redefining the dictionary - Erin McKean

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TED Talk

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Is the beloved paper dictionary doomed to extinction? In this infectiously exuberant talk, leading lexicographer Erin McKean looks at the many ways today's print dictionary is poised for transformation. As the CEO and co-founder of new online dictionary Wordnik, Erin McKean is reshaping not just dictionaries but how we interact with language itself.

What answer does Erin McKean have for those who ask her, “How do I know if a word is for real?” Why does she feel so strongly about this? Do you agree with her approach, and do you think her perspective is shared by others (e.g., educators, developers of word processing software, etc.)?

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