Dictionaries are not merely collections of words and their meanings. They reflect the era in which they were created and bear witness to societal changes. Definitions in dictionaries can reveal shifts in perspectives on key issues, relationships between people, and societal values. Let’s explore this through examples.
Woman: From "Created for Man" to Equal Definition
Furetière’s dictionary from 1690 described a woman as “a rational being created by the hand of God to keep man company.” This definition fully embodied the patriarchal norms of the time. However, the modern Larousse dictionary provides a simple and neutral definition: “a female human being.” This vividly illustrates
Social S
Dictionaries created in different eras often included definitions reflecting the stereotypes and prejudices of their time. For example, the Larousse dictionary of 1875 described the term "Negro" with racist connotations, portraying Africans as “a race inferior to the white race in intelligence.” Today, such an approach is unacceptable, and dictionaries have replaced this term with more neutral and respectful ones, such as “Black person.”
Another example is the word "Turk." In Richelet’s 1680 dictionary, it was associated with “greed, cruelty, and treachery.” This definition reflected the historical conflicts between Western Europe and the Ottoman Empire. Modern dictionaries no longer allow for such generalizations.
The Term "God": From Christian-Centric to Universal
The concept of “God” has also evolved. In the first edition of the French Academy dictionary in 1694, it was defined as “the first and supreme being through whom all others exist,” emphasizing Christian beliefs. Today, God is described as “a supreme power, transcendent and personal being,” which accommodates a diversity of religious perspectives.
Changing Class Definitions
Initially, the term "bourgeoisie" simply referred to “a citizen living in a city.” However, by 1935, its definition had shifted to “a man who does not work with his hands.” This reflects the social and class changes brought about by industrialization and the rise of the working class.
Language as a Mirror of Current Debates
Modern dictionaries continue to reflect societal contradictions. For instance, the word “wokeism” is interpreted differently: Larousse describes it as “an ideology,” while Robert defines it as “a movement.” This shows that even today, not all concepts have universally agreed-upon meanings.
Why This Matters
Dictionaries are time mirrors through which we can see how values and ideologies evolve. However, they are not neutral; they are compiled by people who interpret reality through the lens of their era. Thus, it’s crucial to approach not only words but also their definitions critically.
Conclusion: Language as Historian and Guide
By studying definitions in dictionaries, we better understand the past and where our society is heading. Language is not just a means of communication but also a tool that helps us recognize social changes and form a more conscious view of the world.