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JULY 1, 2005 at 10:35 AM
Posted by GERI
Source: The Guardian via Veritaserum
The new edition of the Oxford Primary Dictionary now includes
some Harry Potter references aimed to help seven-to-11-year-olds understand the meanings of words. The new issue includes the words insolent, lounge and haphazardly.
Insolent, adjective - very rude and insulting, quoted from The Prisoner of Azkaban: "Malfoy gave Professor Lupin an insolent stare, which took in the patches on his robes and the dilapidated suitcase."
Haphazardly is explained by a quote from The Chamber of Secrets: "Mrs Weasley was clattering around, cooking breakfast a little haphazardly, throwing dirty looks at her sons as she threw sausages into the frying pan."
And Professor Snape makes malevolent easy: "'A bad idea, Professor Lockhart,' said Snape, gliding over like a large and malevolent bat."
Andy Simpson, a spokesman for Oxford Children's Books said:
All authors use language creatively. Some enjoy playing with words and pushing children with a more stretching, challenging use of language. But the Oxford Primary Dictionary is the first children's dictionary to use real citations taken from a large range of the best of children’s literature.
And its choice of citations from texts children are intimately familiar with, sets a fantastic example for children and helps improve their reading and writing skills. Far from a traditional boring textbook, the Oxford Primary Dictionary is a fun reference book which can form the basis of interactive sessions in class and at home.
The dictionary features hundreds of citations from children's authors including JK Rowling, Philip Pullman and Roald Dahl.
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Auror
Points: 2682
hplovergurl says:
That is a great idea for all of the little kids that don't understand some of the words! I have to admit that sometimes I run across a few words I don't even understand!
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 5:49 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1375
'Arry + Hermy says:
I think that is a very good idea to "Harry Potter" in the dictionary. J.K. Rowling has wrote so many of these amazing books that are wonderful, the next generation definately needs to be informed of Harry Potter's great affect on this time period. I'll be looking out for "Harry Potter" in the dictionary!
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 5:52 PM EST
Witch
Points: 621
GarryDotter89 says:
Wow. Harry Potter must be a pop icon because it's now in a kid's dictionary. That's really wicked. They used some quotes from the books, which will be very helpful to the kids. What a groovy idea. Using quotes froms books to help kid learn the words is a very smart and creative idea. I like it.
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 5:55 PM EST
Wind Made Solid
Points: 2579
GryffindorGrad99 says:
That's great! It seems so many people use Harry Potter references in daily speech anyway, so it's natural HP would find his way into dictionary examples.
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 6:11 PM EST
Student
Points: 262
Golden Snake says:
Thats so cool. Really it is!
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 6:12 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1737
HermyG13 says:
Doesn't the dictionary also have muggle and quidditch as words too?! I think it proves to people how great and amazing the book series is to transcend all different age groups and people.
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 6:13 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2231
Harry's Detour says:
That's a really good idea. The kids will be excited about seeing their favorite stories mentioned, and they will understand the language better too. That's pretty cool.
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 6:24 PM EST
Harry's Soul-Mate
Points: 3337
Lea says:
WOW, how COOL is that!!!!!
JKR made it to the "Oxford Primary Dictionary", her writing became an example!!!
GOOD JOB! :D
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 6:34 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1228
Hermy-ninny Granger says:
You know HP is big when he is quoted in the dictionary!
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 6:49 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1246
TybaltTheCannibal says:
That's pretty cool, and it'll help children understand the meaning of words in a context that's interesting for them. That's a great idea...I wish I had a dictionary like that when I was young.
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 6:54 PM EST
Witch
Points: 713
umbridgehater_DanielLover says:
That is so awsome!!!! JO should be so pround!!!!! Harry Potter really WILL go down in history!!!!!!! It's great!!!!
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 7:09 PM EST
Weasley Garden Faerie
Points: 4481
Tamlynn says:
This is a great idea. Using the references about Harry Potter will get the children more excited about using bigger words in their writing. I need to get my son this dictionary.
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 7:34 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2353
Loretta says:
I think that this will be fun for the children. With it being Harry Potter references the kids will love to read that much more.
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 7:40 PM EST
Healer in Training
Points: 2661
nubian_weasley01 says:
That's the way to go! Children need to expand their the choice of words.
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 8:00 PM EST
Student
Points: 245
Hermione05 says:
That is a very good idea. I can relate just about anything to Harry Potter. It would be very easy for me to get a word and then pick out a scentence from one of the books and use it for an example in a dictionary.
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 8:22 PM EST
Tom's Fave Aussie
Points: 3850
runaway mental patient says:
Hey that is pretty cool!
Im gonna put that on par with D'oh making it into the dictionary! What a spiffy idea!
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 8:24 PM EST
Head Girl
Points: 468
Laura_Granger says:
I thought everything in the world could be applied to Harry Potter in some way or another... :)
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 8:49 PM EST
Head Girl
Points: 468
Laura_Granger says:
Yeah, it's a good idea...but I doubt it will make people use dictionarys more
--Laura--
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 8:50 PM EST
Head Girl
Points: 468
Laura_Granger says:
Yeah, it's a good idea...but I doubt it will make people use dictionarys more
--Laura--
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 8:52 PM EST
Witch
Points: 829
HPMommy says:
Any creative way that helps a kid learn new things is always a good idea. I hope that they continue to use quotes from well loved childrens books, including Harry Potter, that way you could peak a childs interest too in other books cause they can say.."Hey Mom, what's this book about?" then you go get it and read it with them! It's a great learning and bonding tool if you ask me!
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 9:01 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1530
ginny weasleypants says:
aha! Harry Potter is useful... i knew it... i must admit (if noone else is going to) that i have trouble knowing exactaly what some words mean in the books, though i'm an older reader. maybe i'll buy that dictionary...
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 9:03 PM EST
Professor
Points: 1023
hpff_#1 says:
That is a great idea for the younger kids who read the books. Sometimes when I read the books, I almost wished I had these words defined.
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 9:07 PM EST
Witch
Points: 713
umbridgehater_DanielLover says:
Good for you Daniel!!!
I think this website should be one of the most charitable by each one of us giving some kind of donation!
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 9:07 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1465
Moon Dragon says:
This is really cool it may make life alittle easier for younger kids, thought I don't know what the against harry potter mega christians will say. Oh well too late for then hehe! I think its a great idea.
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 9:18 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2976
Apollyon Pringle says:
What a great idea! I'm sure it will help a lot of children broaden their vocabulary!
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 9:46 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 316
HP_fan_4ever says:
That's a really great ideas. I wish these words were in the dictionary when i was reading it.
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 9:51 PM EST
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