Noah Webster
Noah Webster
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Noah Webster was born as Noah Webster Jr., and his nickname is often spelled "Webster" without the "Jr."
Birth and Death Dates
Noah Webster was born on October 16, 1758, in West Hartford, Connecticut. He passed away on May 28, 1843.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American Lexicographer, Language Spelling Reformer, and Journalist
As an American lexicographer, Noah Webster is widely regarded as one of the most influential linguists in U.S. history. His career spanned several professions, including that of a teacher, lawyer, journalist, and author.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in West Hartford, Connecticut, Noah was raised by his parents, Noah Sr., and Mercy Steele Webster. He attended local schools and later studied at Yale College (now Yale University), graduating with honors in 1778. After completing his education, Webster began teaching school to support himself.
Major Accomplishments
Standardizing American English Spelling
Noah's most significant contribution was the introduction of simplified spelling reforms that transformed the way Americans wrote and pronounced words. He advocated for a more phonetic approach, making language easier to read and pronounce. This shift away from traditional British spellings led to the creation of Webster's Dictionary, first published in 1828.
Notable Works or Actions
Contributions to Language and Education
During his lifetime, Webster was dedicated to improving language education and standardizing American English spelling. He developed several dictionaries, including:
_A Grammatical Institute of the English Language_ (1783-85), which introduced phonetic spellings.
_An American Dictionary of the English Language_ (1828), his most notable work.
Webster also advocated for an American literary identity and founded the American Journal in 1783 to promote nationalism through literature. He was a prolific writer, publishing numerous essays, poetry collections, and educational texts throughout his career.
Impact and Legacy
Noah Webster's contributions to language reform had far-reaching consequences:
Simplified spelling made written communication more accessible.
His dictionaries provided a foundation for American English vocabulary.
* Webster's emphasis on education helped create a unified national identity.
His legacy extends beyond linguistics; he played a crucial role in shaping America's cultural and literary landscape.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Noah Webster is widely remembered due to his pioneering work in standardizing American English spelling. His dedication to language reform, education, and promoting an American identity has left a lasting impact on the nation's linguistic and literary heritage.
Quotes by Noah Webster
Noah Webster's insights on:
Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed, as they are in almost every country in Europe.
Let the people have property and they will have power – a power that will forever be exerted to prevent the restriction of the press, the abolition of trial by jury, or the abridgment of any other privilege.
Language is not an abstract construction of the learned, or of dictionary makers, but is something arising out of the work, needs, ties, joys, affections, tastes, of long generations of humanity, and has its bases broad and low, close to the ground.
Education is useless without the Bible. The Bible was America’s basic text book in all fields. God’s Word, contained in the Bible, has furnished all necessary rules to direct our conduct.
If the citizens neglect their duty and place unprincipled men in office, the government will soon be corrupted . . . . If a republican government fails to secure public prosperity and happiness, it must be because the citizens neglect the Divine commands, and elect bad men to make and administer the laws.
Education is useless without the Bible. The Bible was America's basic text book in all fields. God's Word, contained in the Bible, has furnished all necessary rules to direct our conduct.
...if the citizens neglect their Duty and place unprincipled men in office, the government will soon be corrupted; laws will be made, not for the public good so much as for selfish or local purposes; corrupt or incompetent men will be appointed to execute the Laws; the public revenues will be squandered on unworthy men; and the rights of the citizen will be violated or disregarded.
Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed; as they are in almost every kingdom of Europe. The supreme power in America cannot enforce unjust laws by the sword; because the whole body of the people are armed, and constitute a force superior to any band of regular troops that can be, on any pretence, raised in the United States.