J.R.R. Tolkien worked as a lexicographer on the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) for two years. From 1919 to 1920, he researched and defined words like “waggle” and “warlock”. This experience came before he wrote his famous works, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
Tolkien’s work on the OED was exceptional. Editor Henry Bradley praised his unique etymological insights. This experience greatly shaped Tolkien’s writing career.
At the OED, Tolkien gained a deep understanding of language evolution. This knowledge would later influence his iconic fantasy works.
Key Takeaways
- J.R.R. Tolkien worked as a lexicographer on the Oxford English Dictionary from 1919 to 1920.
- Tolkien researched and defined words ranging from “waggle” to “warlock.”
- The OED editor praised Tolkien’s work for its unique etymological insights.
- Tolkien’s experience at the OED significantly influenced his writing career.
- Working on the OED provided Tolkien with a deep understanding of language and its evolution.
Tolkien’s Work as a Lexicographer at the OED
J.R.R. Tolkien worked as an assistant lexicographer at the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) in the early 1920s. This experience shaped his approach to language and influenced his writing. Tolkien’s time at the OED immersed him in lexicography and etymology.
Tolkien’s job involved sorting through paper slips containing word usage examples from different eras. He analyzed these snippets to trace how word meanings changed over time. Tolkien then wrote dictionary entries explaining each word’s origins and semantic evolution.
This work required deep knowledge of philology and historical linguistics. Under editor Henry Bradley, Tolkien tackled challenging etymologies for words like “walnut,” “walrus,” and “wampum”. His original notes for entries such as “warm” and “waggle” still exist today.
Tolkien’s OED experience greatly impacted his future academic and literary work. The skills he developed enabled him to create “A Middle English Vocabulary,” a renowned glossary. This background laid the groundwork for the complex languages in his fiction works.
How the OED Experience Influenced Tolkien’s Writing
J.R.R. Tolkien’s work at the Oxford English Dictionary greatly shaped his language approach. His time there sharpened his philology and etymology skills. This deepened his grasp of word origins and how meanings change over time.
Tolkien’s linguistic knowledge became crucial for his invented languages. He used linguistic techniques from the OED to create Quenya and Sindarin. These languages felt real and historically rich, as if they had evolved naturally.
The OED work also influenced Tolkien’s writing style and worldbuilding. He revived old words like “shieldmaiden” and gave new meanings to forgotten terms. This added a sense of linguistic history to his prose.
Tolkien’s fascination with word origins sparked his creativity. It inspired him to create detailed aspects of his fictional world. These included calendars, writing systems, and unique customs.
Tolkien’s OED experience enhanced both his language skills and imagination. By blending linguistics with storytelling, he created an immersive universe. His work continues to captivate readers today.
Tolkien’s Dictionary Contribution: Shaping His Creative Process
J.R.R. Tolkien’s work on the Oxford English Dictionary greatly influenced his writing. His lexicographer experience enhanced his skills in language creation and word origins. These skills became key features of his fictional works.
In 1969, Tolkien helped define “hobbit” for a new OED supplement. His definition was used almost word-for-word. This marked one of many words from his stories included in the dictionary.
Tolkien rarely created words from scratch. He found inspiration in ancient language roots. The term “hobbit” came from an old word list meaning “hole-dweller”.
This method of building on historical foundations gave his invented words depth and authenticity. Readers connected with these rich linguistic elements in his fictional worlds.
Tolkien’s unique talent was weaving language into his imaginary realms. His work with the OED shaped his approach to language invention. This contributed to the lasting success of his literary works.
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