THEn an era in which young people master programming languages even before having completed logical analysis, where Emoji have become a form of universal communication and where terms like “Ghostare” And “Crging” entered the daily lexicon, l‘Institute of the Italian Encyclopedia Treccani He decided to play in advance, presenting a work that marks a turning point in the Italian publishing scene: The Italian Treccani Dictionary 100 conceived to respond to the linguistic needs of young people aged 9 to 18.
Rethink the dictionary for Genalpha
The initiative arises from an awareness: the Alpha generationthat of those born after 2010, requires linguistic tools other than traditional ones. Today’s guys often find themselves displaced in the face of classic dictionaries, characterized by an approach that is often difficult and not very immediate. For this, one of the most innovative characteristics of the new dictionary, It is the abandonment of hyperspecial language which traditionally characterizes lexicographic works. The curators systematically eliminated the most complex technicalities and cryptic abbreviations, replacing them with direct and understandable explanations.
Farewell to specialist jargon: towards exhibition clarity
«We wanted to overcome the dictionary model as a mere catalog of definitions – explain Valeria Della Valle and Giuseppe Patota project coordinators – Our goal was to transform each item into a small narrativecapable of making understanding autonomous without forcing the reader to constant crossed references “. A philosophy inspired by the teachings of the late Luca Serianni, one of the most important Italian linguists and Italianists, who had theorized the need to transform the dictionary from a real “reading book” consultation tool toa work that can be browsed with pleasure and not only consulted out of necessity.
When teenagers find it easier to decipher a meme than to consult a dictionary, perhaps it is appropriate to rethink the dictionary itself. And that’s what Treccani did (Getty Images)
Inclusiveness as a fundamental principle
The Treccani 100 dictionary It also introduces a revolutionary approach in the management of the grammatical genre. Instead of privileging the male form As traditionally happens in Italian lexicography, The work presents both formsmale and female, simply following the alphabetical order. Thus, for example, we find both “magical” and “magical” lemmatized, Both “notary” and “notary”without any hierarchy implicit between genres. An editorial choice that represents an important signal towards contemporary social sensitivity.
Examples of use that reflect reality
The practical examples contained in the dictionary have been carefully selected to reflect a more fair and inclusive company. In the contexts of use proposed, daily activitiesfor example, from cooking to direct an office, from reading a newspaper to ironing, are represented as the prerogative of all, regardless of the genre. “We wanted every example to reflect today’s reality – underline the curators – where skills and responsibilities are no longer rigidly divided by gender, but belong to people as such”.
A filter against offensive language
The new dictionary also introduces a reporting system of terms and expressions that could be discriminatory. The expressions marked as “offensive”, “violent” or “belonging to mentality of the past” are clearly identified, allowing readers of develop a greater critical awareness of language.
Educate to linguistic responsibility
This editorial choice goes beyond simple cataloging: it represents a real educational tool To sensitize the new generations on the importance of words and on their social impact. The challenge collected by Treccani is ambitious: transform the dictionary from a passive consultation tool, to an active companion in the learning and linguistic growth of young Italians. Only time will say if this bet will be winning, but the initiative already represents in itself, An important step forward towards a more inclusive and conscious lexicon.
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