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The English Project marks eightieth anniversary of publication of Oxford English Dictionary

The English Project, which aims to establish the world's first English language logosphere ('universe of words') based in Winchester U.K., is marking the eightieth anniversary of the publication of the Oxford English Dictionary by inviting English-speakers around the world to contribute words from their own 'personal vocabulary' to a database of 'kitchen-table lingo'.

"The English language is the most dynamic and democratic of cultural organisms," said English Project Trustee Professor Christopher Mulvey. "It is constantly creating new words in the street, the workplace and around the kitchen-table. We want to capture some of that amazing, spontaneous innovation as a tribute to the enduring power of the OED."

It was on Wednesday 6 June 1928 at a dinner in Goldsmith's Hall in the City of London that the Oxford English Dictionary was formally launched. It had been seventy years in the making and contained almost 415,000 words. The guest speaker was the then Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin who commented, in a long peroration, "The Oxford English Dictionary is the greatest enterprise of its kind in history."

A key ingredient in the research for the dictionary was the five million illustrative quotations contributed by the general public to the OED's team of lexicographers. It is in the spirit of these everyday users of the language that the English Project wants to capture some of the idiosyncratic and personal words and usages that can be found in every family or social group. "Almost all of us have a range personal and familiar words which won't be found in a dictionary," said Professor Mulvey. "But these represent the lifeblood and vigour of the language at the personal level. Our goal is to compile a cross-section of these words and their meanings and give them wider currency."

As an example of what the English Project is looking for Professor Mulvey referred to an English Project supporter, Alys Blakeway, whose family has for years used the word 'ruxing' to describe a situation which is both 'touching and embarrassing at the same time'. Or 'dacey' (pronounced 'day-see') , which means the kind of holiday purchase which is charming when seen in the shop on the Costa Brava but downright ridiculous when unpacked at home.

"There is a treasure trove of new personal words and meanings out there which we want to bring into the light of day," said Professor Mulvey.

To contribute your personal or family vocabulary to the Kettle Collection, send your entries (including the word plus a short definition and its provenance e.g The Jones Family; Class of 07, University of Winchester; The Staines Massive) via the Kitchen Table Lingo menu on www.englishproject.org where more information on the KTL ('Kettle') Collection can be found. A selection of the words contributed will be published from 1 July. [Note: Receipt of submission goes operational 00.00 6 June]

You may be able to consult the Oxford English Dictionary free online via your local public library service. Visit their website for further details.

For further information, please contact:

Tali Robinson, Spada 020 7269 1430

Claire Wordley, Spada 020 7269 1430

NOTES TO EDITORS

The English Project's logosphere (universe of words) will combine a world-leading visitor attraction dedicated to the evolving story of the English language with a state of the art on-line presence which will enable the exploration of the language across time and space.

Based in Winchester, Hampshire UK - which has special links with King Alfred the Great who played a seminal role in the formalisation of the language - the English Project will be the first institution of its kind in the English speaking world.

It aims to open its doors in Spring 2012 although a number of educational and other significant initiatives will commence before then.

The English Project has the financial support of the Heritage Lottery Fund, Winchester City Council, the University of Winchester, Hampshire County Council, the Leathersellers' Company and a number of private donors. Pro bono legal support is provided by Beachcroft and public relations by Spada.

Submitting entries to the KTL database  

All words submitted should be genuinely used by three or more people and have been in use for one month or more. They should NOT have been invented for the purpose of this project.

All words included on the Kitchen Table Lingo Collection will be checked to ensure that either they do not feature in the Oxford English Dictionary or do not feature with your specified meaning.

By submitting your word and meaning you are giving permission for them and other details to be used in English Project publications, websites and publicity material.

The first Kettle Collection will be published in the Summer 2008 and periodically renewed thereafter.

For more information go to www.englishproject.org