Knowra Noah Webster Noah Webster Noah Webster (1758–1843) was an American lexicographer, educator, and political writer whose spelling books and dictionaries helped standardize American English.
American English : The varieties of English used in the United States, with distinctive pronunciations, vocabulary, and conventions. Webster’s books helped establish spelling conventions that distinguish American English.
American Revolution : The political and military struggle from 1775 to 1783 that established the United States as an independent nation. Webster connected a distinct national language with the republic created by the Revolution.
George Washington : The commander in chief of the Continental Army and first president of the United States. Webster supported Washington’s administration and wrote in defense of federal government.
The American Spelling Book : Noah Webster’s spelling textbook, first published in 1783 and widely used in American schools. Its lessons and simplified spellings brought Webster’s language program to generations of pupils.
American spelling : The spelling conventions common in the United States, including forms such as color and center. Webster’s preferences helped popularize several spellings now associated with American English.
Lexicography : The practice of compiling, editing, and studying dictionaries. Webster’s lasting influence came chiefly through his work as a dictionary maker.
Yale University : A private research university in New Haven, Connecticut, founded in 1701. Webster studied there before beginning his career as a teacher and author.
Benjamin Franklin : An American printer, scientist, inventor, and statesman who lived from 1706 to 1790. Franklin’s proposals for spelling reform anticipated debates Webster also pursued.
An American Dictionary of the English Language : Noah Webster’s two-volume dictionary, published in 1828, documenting English with an American orientation. This major dictionary gave his national language project its fullest form.
English spelling reform : Attempts to regularize or simplify the spelling conventions of the English language. Webster’s American reforms became a prominent chapter in wider reform efforts.
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