Scottish Language Dictionaries

Scottish Language Dictionaries is the principal lexicographical body for the Scots language and Scottish English, formed in 2002 from the merger of two major historical projects. It is responsible for creating, maintaining, and promoting authoritative dictionaries that document the linguistic heritage of Scotland. The organization operates as an educational charity based in Edinburgh and plays a central role in supporting academic research, education, and public engagement with Scotland's languages.

History

The organization was established in 2002 through the amalgamation of the Scottish National Dictionary Association (SNDA) and the editorial project for the Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (DOST). The SNDA, founded in 1929, was responsible for the monumental Scottish National Dictionary (SND) which covered the period from 1700 to the 1970s, while work on DOST, initiated by Sir William Craigie, documented Scots from the 12th century to 1700. This merger, supported by funding from the Scottish Government and Arts and Humanities Research Council, created a single entity to oversee the entire historical continuum of the Scots language. Key figures in its foundation and early development included linguists such as Margaret A. Mackay and Iseabail Macleod, building upon the legacy of earlier editors like William Grant and David Murison.

Major Publications

The cornerstone publications are the integrated digital and print editions of the Dictionary of the Scots Language (DSL), which combines the full texts of DOST and the SND. In print, the organization has produced essential works like the Concise Scots Dictionary and the Pocket Scots Dictionary, alongside specialized volumes such as the Scottish Language journal. It also publishes contemporary and historical resources, including the Essential Scots Dictionary and scholarly editions of older texts that inform its lexicographical work. These publications are frequently cited in academic studies from institutions like the University of Glasgow and the University of Edinburgh, and are used in schools across Scotland.

Governance and Funding

As a registered Scottish charity, the organization is governed by a board of trustees drawn from academia, publishing, and the arts. Its operations have been sustained by core funding from the Scottish Government via Creative Scotland and project-specific grants from bodies like the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the British Academy. Partnerships with institutions such as the National Library of Scotland and the University of Dundee are crucial for its work. The leadership has included notable chief editors and project directors like Susan Rennie and Caroline Macafee, who guide its strategic direction and scholarly output.

Digital Initiatives

A primary digital achievement is the free online Dictionary of the Scots Language (DSL) website, which provides comprehensive access to over 800 years of lexical history. The organization actively engages in crowdsourcing projects, such as updating entries for modern Scots usage, and contributes to broader digital humanities endeavors like the Historical Thesaurus of Scots. It collaborates on digital platforms with the University of Glasgow and participates in events like the Edinburgh International Book Festival to promote its online resources. These initiatives ensure the dictionary remains a dynamic and accessible tool for global researchers, educators, and speakers.

Role in Scottish Lexicography

The organization is the definitive authority on the Scots language, setting standards for scholarship and usage that influence policy, education, and media across Scotland. It provides expert advice to bodies including the Scottish Parliament, Education Scotland, and the BBC, and its work underpins the recognition of Scots under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. By training new lexicographers and collaborating with international projects like those at the University of Oxford, it ensures the ongoing vitality and academic rigor of Scottish lexicography, preserving the language for future generations.

Category:Organisations based in Edinburgh Category:Scottish dictionaries Category:Language regulators Category:Charities based in Scotland