Macmillan Dictionary’s Editor-in-Chief interacts with MAHE students

Michael Rundell, Editor-in-Chief of Macmillan English Dictionary poses with a copy of the dictionary. Photograph by Maitri Somaia

Michael Rundell, the editor-in-chief of the Macmillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners visited the MAHE campus on Sunday 16^th March, to enlighten the students about the new edition of the award-winning learners’ dictionary.

A lexicographer by profession, Mr. Rundell briefly presented the approach to compiling the Macmillan dictionary. Titled ‘From corpus to dictionary’, he explained the key features of the dictionary in a nutshell. Starting off with an introduction to a dictionary, he proceeded to describe the syntax of words (how words combine with each other) with an additional insight to collocation (the association between two words) and the word-sketch software.

The latter part of his presentation incorporated a few keys to successful writing coupled with frequency charts and a short exercise to interact with the audience.

However, Mr. Rundell predominantly highlighted the wide-ranging interactive features of the dictionary available on a CD. He displayed the dictionary interface with miscellaneous options and tools that a user can derive benefit from.

Asked if the electronic publication hinders the preference of traditional paper publication of the dictionary, Mr. Rundell said, “There is a huge difference in generations and their respective attitudes. Professors and academicians haven’t grown with the computer age so they still favor a printed publication. However, the youth are computer savvy and choose the dictionary on a CD. Each has its own audience."

This special visit was made possible courtesy Books Plus. Students were also granted discount cards that entitles them to receive a 10% discount at Books Plus situated in Academic City.

**Macmillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners is available at Books Plus, Academic City. Contact the store dealer for further information.