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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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Witch
Points: 870
caraMEL_penguin says:
well... that's very interesting... I think it is a good idea for little children who some times have a hard time connecting big words with everyday life... the things these big dictonary companies think of now days... <33333
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 3:17 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2093
rregan says:
Thats very, very interesting. At first when I read the title of the topic I thought they mean't Harry Potter, as in the words Harry Potter were inducted into the dictionary.. I was going to say..
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 3:21 PM EST
Chief Brain Washer
Points: 2874
Chogiiiirl says:
I do notice that sometimes children can understand more difficult words, if explained to them in an context they understand. It's great that they are using HP to educate.
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 3:22 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 371
*)Blueyedwitch(* says:
ooohh how about bloody _ _ _ . Still the best word..
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 3:25 PM EST
Witch
Points: 722
Snitch_seeker_girl says:
nice!!! it's good to see people leran new words, specially when the words are from the books!!!
Have anybody know when is going to publicate the Half-blood Prince version Spanish????????????????????????????????
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 3:29 PM EST
Witch
Points: 543
HogwartsAhistory says:
Cool that is an awsome idea.
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 3:32 PM EST
Hogwarts Valedictorian
Points: 2807
Lily*R/Hr says:
That's so cool! And it's a great idea, too, since kids have trouble understanding complicated definitions. This way, they'll actually get it, and they can recognize the word easily and relate it to a story they love!
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 3:37 PM EST
Minister of Modest
Points: 6090
harryandhermioneforeva says:
Well thats good that they are adding some of those words into a childrens dictionary. Although I never really use the dictionary anyways. Oh well.
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 3:43 PM EST
Professor
Points: 1102
Fire Phoenix says:
A good idea to explain more komplex words for children how love to read!
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 3:45 PM EST
Student
Points: 211
sillyally says:
Neat. Turn more kids on to Harry Potter. Mwahahahaha!!!
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 3:47 PM EST
Professor
Points: 1160
Sophia Veritas says:
Wow, that's awesome! That would be so helpful for kids and stuff- to see the words as they're actually used, not some boring sentence.
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 4:07 PM EST
Snape's Advocate
Points: 7161
Snape's Bodyguard says:
What a great idea. Most children will be able to relate to the HP sentences that are quoted in the dictionary.
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 4:09 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1383
Lily's Eyes says:
The last great and positive proof that Harry Potter has become a main stream standard!
Not that I think it'll make people use the Dictionary more either.
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 4:18 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 372
loopy luna says:
I think it's great that Harry Potter has become well enough known that it can be used for references in the dictionary (adults, too, I hope!). Now, if some of the new words could just be added.
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 4:21 PM EST
Student
Points: 210
lora_may says:
That's cool so now kids can finally understand the words they're reading.Because If teenagers who read Harry potter
don't understand Haphazardly or Malevolent then how do we expect 9 year olds to?
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 4:27 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1780
TheOtherMinister says:
JK always uses different words in her books. I bet she feels great knowing that her sentences are used in the Oxford Primary Dictionary.
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 4:35 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 327
LovingGeorgeWeasley says:
Neat idea! It's nice to see that people are encouraging children to expand their vocabulary, and it's great that Jo uses a variety of words in her books. It makes it more interesting, and it really does help to expand their vocabulary.
Cheers!
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 4:40 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1252
*Indi Zabini* says:
Why are we talking about a dictionary. You guys are all like, AWSOME, COOL, NEAT!! To me it really sounds like the poplishers are just too lazy to make up there own sentences. Just kidding. I'm shure it is as great as you guys think it is.
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 4:49 PM EST
The Golden Snidget
Points: 3157
Mrs. Phineas Nigellus says:
I really think that the Potter quotes will help kids understand better because it relates to something they know and are comfortable with. It is also very inspiring to JKR listed with the likes of Philip Pullman and Roald Dahl.
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 4:50 PM EST
Head Girl
Points: 467
the_pensieve says:
Er...um...yeah its a great idea. Why don't the kids already know the meaning to these words and why weren't they already in the dictionary? Is our school system really THAT bad?
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 4:50 PM EST
Witch
Points: 699
Toph Rox!!! says:
That is a great idea for a children's dictionary. It is hard for many children (and even some adults) to understand a dictionary. A dictionary that puts words in terms children can better understand is a great idea
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 5:00 PM EST
Professor
Points: 1102
Lupin'smoon says:
That is great that a dictionary like that exists. It's nice that authors also don't balk at using big words. It helps improve people's vocabularies.
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 5:00 PM EST
Wizard
Points: 599
chameleon says:
I think it is great that this is done! It is good for young children that they get a lager vocabulary by reading things they like! Then they are learning when they have fun!! I find that good!!
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 5:10 PM EST
Head Girl
Points: 475
Vortex7 says:
When I read the title I immediately though words like "muggle" or something of the sort were going to be added. I guess I went a little too far. . . Anyway it must be a pretty cool dictionary if it has entries as such. I might buy one just for the pleasure of it. . . I know, I'm crazy but so what?
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 5:38 PM EST
Student
Points: 225
Balthazar says:
Sounds good. Another good idea come from Harry Potter.
Posted Jul 1, 2005 at 5:41 PM EST
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
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