The evolution of digital dictionaries

Before we start, let’s define what is a dictionary in general?

Dictionaries are fundamental tools for understanding language. they play a crucial role in helping
people communicate effectively and comprehend written texts.
As we know from this subject, I mean Lexicography, Dictionary is a book that lists the words of
the language in the alphabetical order and gives their meaning or gives the equivalent words in
different language including meaning, pronunciation and etymology. Traditionally, dictionaries
were large printed books. users lift through pages to find words and their meanings. However,
with advancements in technology dictionaries have transitioned to digital formats, accessible on
computers, phones and tablets.
What distinguishes a digital dictionary from a printed book dictionary?

1. First of all, search-ability: Digital dictionaries allow for quick and efficient word
searches using search functions, while printed dictionaries require manual flipping
through pages to find entries.

2. Interactivity: Digital dictionaries often include interactive features such as audio

pronunciations, hyperlinks to related words, and multimedia content like videos or
images, which enhance the learning experience. Printed dictionaries lack such interactive
elements.

3. Up-to-date Information: Digital dictionaries can be updated instantly to reflect changes

in language usage, new words, or evolving definitions, ensuring that users have access to
the most current information. Printed dictionaries, on the other hand, may become
outdated over time and require new editions for updates.

4. Accessibility: Digital dictionaries are accessible on various electronic devices such as

computers, smartphones, and tablets, making them available anytime and anywhere.
Printed dictionaries, while portable, are limited to physical copies and may not be as
convenient to carry around

5. Users with disabilities: dictionaries offer several advantages for users with disabilities.
For instance, many Digital dictionaries incorporate accessibility features such as screen
readers, voice commands and takes to speech functionality which can greatly benefit
users with visual impairments or reading difficulties.

Beginning of a history

The origin and development of electronic lexicography or more precisely computational

lexicology are associated with the appearance of machine-readable dictionaries, in which
information is an electronic form and could be processed and manipulated computationally.

Computers began to be used in lexicology in the 1960. One of the editors of the Random House
Dictionary of the English language, Urdang, developed a database system for categorizing and
sorting dictionary information, calling it a “dataset”. At the same time the system development
Corporation’s lexicographic project created magnetic tape versions of Webster’s 7th new
Collegiate Dictionary and the New Merriam-Webster Pocket dictionary. Initially machine-
readable dictionaries were exact copies of paper-based ones and researchers spent a lot of time
interpreting typing codes.

As technology has advanced, publishers have separated print components and dictionary
databases. Advance technology in the 1970s contributed to the wider use of computers in
lexicographic projects. Computerized compilation systems were used to sort and check entries in
the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English considered the first truly computerized
dictionary and the Collins English dictionary.

As soon as computers began to be used in the creation of dictionaries, electronic companies

began to work on the development of pocket-sized handheld translation gadgets. The first
electronic dictionaries with user interfaces (LK-3000 and Craig M100) were technically the
descendants of portable electronic calculators and personal digital assistants. With the
development of technology, publishing houses produced more electronic products, and the
memory size of portable devices increased.

Unlike expensive portable devices usually intended for private use, disks were relatively cheap,
and with a license, the dictionary can be installed on many different computers or distributed
over a local network, which is a definite advantage for their use in educational institutions.
Among the first CD-ROM dictionaries were Oxford English (1988). Dictionary the Longman
(1993) and Collins COBUILD (1995) interactive English and American dictionaries, which
included not only a dictionary but also guides to English phonetics and grammar.

History of Collins Dictionary publishing

So, now let’s set our sight on the evolution of one of the most iconic names in dictionary
publishing, Collins.

CollinsDictionary.com is the online platform for Collins, a renowned British publisher of

dictionaries, language learning resources, and educational materials. Here's a brief overview of
the history of CollinsDictionary.com:

Founding of Collins Publishers: The origins of Collins can be traced back to 1819 when
William Collins established a printing business in Glasgow, Scotland. Over the years, the
company expanded its operations and diversified its publishing portfolio to include dictionaries,
atlases, educational textbooks, and fiction.

Publication of Dictionaries: Collins gained recognition for its high-quality dictionaries,

including the Collins English Dictionary, which became one of the leading dictionaries of the
English language. The Collins English Dictionary is known for its comprehensive coverage,
authoritative definitions, and innovative features.
Transition to Digital: With the advent of the internet and digital technology, Collins embraced
the opportunity to expand its reach and accessibility by launching CollinsDictionary.com. The
online platform offered users access to Collins dictionaries and language resources in digital
format, accessible from any internet-enabled device.

Evolution of CollinsDictionary.com: Over the years, CollinsDictionary.com has evolved to

become a comprehensive online language reference tool, offering not only dictionary definitions
but also translations, grammar guides, language learning resources, and interactive features. The
website caters to a global audience of language learners, educators, professionals, and
enthusiasts.

Continuous Updates and Innovations: CollinsDictionary.com is regularly updated to reflect

changes in language usage, new words, and evolving definitions. The platform incorporates user
feedback and leverages advances in technology to enhance its features, usability, and
functionality continually.

Expansion of Collins Language Resources: In addition to its flagship English dictionaries,

CollinsDictionary.com offers specialized dictionaries and language resources for various
languages, subject areas, and professional fields. These resources cater to the diverse needs and
interests of users worldwide.

You can clearly see that Collinsdictionary.com provides more than just definitions; it includes
pronunciation guides, example sentences, synonyms, antonyms, and word origins, offering a
holistic understanding of each term.

Overall, CollinsDictionary.com has played a significant role in making Collins dictionaries and
language resources accessible to a global audience, empowering users with the knowledge and
tools they need to communicate effectively and confidently in the English language and beyond.