Oxford Is Creating an ‘African American Dictionary,’ and the First 10 Words Were Just Announced

Oxford University Press has just announced the first 10 words that will be included in their upcoming ‘African American Dictionary.’ This historical project aims to provide a comprehensive resource that documents the unique language and cultural nuances within the African American community.

The words revealed include “bae,” “crunk,” “lit,” “woke,” “y’all,” “griot,” “skeevy,” “doe,” “turnt,” and “gullah.” Each word has a significant place in contemporary African American culture and has contributed to shaping the language and societal norms within the community.

Oxford’s decision to create an African American Dictionary is a significant step in recognizing the value and importance of African American expressions in modern English. The dictionary will be a tool for both those within and outside of the African American community to understand and appreciate the depth and complexity of the language.

The project’s lead editor, linguist Sonja Lanehart, explains that the ‘African American Dictionary’ will provide a platform for “words and phrases that have not always been embraced by mainstream and academic dictionaries.” The dictionary aims to include words that highlight the cultural values, experiences, and social norms within the African American community.

As the project progresses, the team behind the ‘African American Dictionary’ will not only document the meaning and usage of words but also provide historical and cultural background. This information will enable readers to appreciate the significance of these words and their evolution over time.

The ‘African American Dictionary’ comes at a time when people around the world are awakening to the need for cultural sensitivity and an understanding of diverse perspectives. Language and cultural expressions are a fundamental part of the identity of a community, and this dictionary serves as a recognition of that fact. The project is also an essential step in bridging the gap between cultures and providing a platform for diversity to thrive.

In conclusion, Oxford’s development of an ‘African American Dictionary’ is an important achievement that acknowledges the unique linguistic contributions of the African American community. While the project is still in progress, the first 10 words announced serve as a testament to the richness and complexity of African American culture. The ‘African American Dictionary’ will undoubtedly be an invaluable resource for everyone who seeks to understand and appreciate the diversity of our world.