Michael Rundell is the editor-in-chief of the Macmillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners. In technical terms, he is known as a lexicographer. A lexicographer is the one who writes and edits dictionaries.
Mr. Rundell was on a visit to Manipal University, Dubai campus last week. He was willing to share a few words during a very brief interview with me.
Mr. Rundell was on a visit to Manipal University, Dubai campus last week. He was willing to share a few words during a very brief interview with me.
Mr. Michael Rundell airs his views to Kulsoom Ali. Photographs by Maitri Somaia.Kulsoom Ali: Does electronic publication hinder the preference of traditional paper publication of the dictionary?
Michael Rundell: There is a huge difference in generations and their respective attitudes. Professors and academicians haven’t grown with the computer age so they still favor a printed publication. However, the youth are computer savvy and choose the dictionary on a CD. Each has its own audience.
KA: With the introduction of free online encyclopedias and dictionaries such as Wikipedia and dictionary.com, do you think people will plump for such literary material that is free of charge and at the same time provides ample information?
MR: Yes, that's a good point. Everyone expects everything for free today (laughs). We ask people to pay at the Macmillans because we can guarantee that we provide much better and quality information that is not available on free websites like Wikipedia or dictionary.com. We target the needs of the users at the best cost.
-SJ
Michael Rundell: There is a huge difference in generations and their respective attitudes. Professors and academicians haven’t grown with the computer age so they still favor a printed publication. However, the youth are computer savvy and choose the dictionary on a CD. Each has its own audience.
KA: With the introduction of free online encyclopedias and dictionaries such as Wikipedia and dictionary.com, do you think people will plump for such literary material that is free of charge and at the same time provides ample information?
MR: Yes, that's a good point. Everyone expects everything for free today (laughs). We ask people to pay at the Macmillans because we can guarantee that we provide much better and quality information that is not available on free websites like Wikipedia or dictionary.com. We target the needs of the users at the best cost.
-SJ