AWW21 The World of Words - Sue Butler and Pip Williams
Pip Williams’ wonderful novel The Dictionary of Lost Words documents the origin of the Oxford Dictionary through the tale of the fictional Esme Nicoll who observes how some words were valued more than others and seeks to rectify it. Sue Butler was Editor of the Macquarie Dictionary for decades, where she oversaw the inclusion of new words. Her new book is the highly entertaining Rebel Without a Clause. Losing the Linguistic plot... Pip and Sue discuss the attraction and fluidity of language, and how dictionaries shape and reflect their times.
Chaired by Victoria Purman