Which is the Oldest Dictionary in the World? Check the Name

Language helps people communicate, learn, and preserve culture. From ancient times, scholars tried to explain difficult words so that texts could be understood easily. To support learning, early reference books were created that listed words with their meanings. These works played an important role in education and helped readers understand old writings. One such ancient work is considered the earliest example of this kind.

What is a Dictionary?

A dictionary is a reference book that explains the meanings of words and shows how they are used. It helps people communicate clearly and correctly. Dictionaries also reflect a culture’s knowledge, traditions, and the way language changes over time. Long before modern printing, scholars relied on handwritten books to explain difficult words.

Oldest Dictionary in the World

The Erya is considered the oldest known dictionary in the world. It is an ancient Chinese reference book written between the 3rd century BC and the 2nd century AD. The Erya explains the meanings of Chinese words and how they should be understood in writing and speech.

Many experts believe that the Erya laid the foundation for all later Chinese dictionaries and reference books.

Origin and Background of the Erya

The Erya was created during a time when Chinese scholars were studying classical texts. These ancient writings often contained difficult and old words that were hard to understand. The Erya was developed to help readers correctly interpret these texts.

Although the exact author is unknown, the book was widely used and respected by scholars for centuries.

How the Erya is Organized?

Unlike modern dictionaries, the Erya does not arrange words in alphabetical order. Instead, it groups words based on their meanings and categories. For example, words related to animals, plants, tools, or nature are placed together. This method helped readers understand how different words were connected.

Focus on Meaning, Not Pronunciation

The main goal of the Erya was to explain what a word means, not how it is spelled or pronounced. The book focuses on understanding concepts and relationships between words. This approach helped scholars grasp the deeper meaning of classical Chinese literature.

Purpose of the Erya

The Erya was mainly designed for scholars and educated readers. It was used to study ancient texts accurately and avoid misunderstandings. It was not meant for everyday use by the general public but as a serious academic reference.

Limited Number of Words

Compared to modern dictionaries that contain thousands of words, the Erya includes only a selected number of important terms. These words were carefully chosen to help readers better understand classical writings rather than provide a complete list of all known words.

Cultural and Historical Importance

The Erya offers valuable insight into ancient Chinese society, culture, and knowledge. It reflects how people thought, lived, and understood the world during that period. The examples and explanations in the book give historians a clear picture of life in early China.

Why the Erya is Still Important Today?

Even after thousands of years, the Erya remains an important work in the study of Chinese language and history. It is still referenced by scholars and is considered the starting point of Chinese lexicography.