A Linguistic Milestone
The Oxford University Press India marked World Dictionary Day with the unveiling of the Compact Marathi-English Dictionary and the Mini Marathi-English Dictionary.
Sukanta Das, Managing Director of Oxford University Press India, emphasized the significance of this launch. The event underscored the importance of the Marathi language, which boasts millions of speakers globally and is known for its cultural richness. These new dictionaries are crafted to assist language learners with modern, real-world applications, offering essential support for both daily use and educational pursuits. The focus is to make language learning more accessible and to celebrate Marathi's linguistic heritage.
Focus on Learning
These dictionaries are thoughtfully designed to help English speakers enhance their Marathi language skills. They are tailored for those learning a second language, translators, and anyone interested in improving their Marathi. The Oxford Mini English-Marathi Dictionary, for instance, has over 20,000 English words and their derivatives, along with clear Marathi translations. They provide accurate pronunciation guidance for every English word and include essential grammatical details. The dictionaries are not just a collection of words; they provide a practical tool for everyday use and academic support. They help individuals communicate more effectively and confidently in the Marathi language.
Cultural Celebrations
The new dictionaries highlight Indian culture, particularly through art forms. They feature Sawantwadi toys and Warli paintings on their covers, reflecting the diversity of the region. The inclusion of Warli art, a folk painting style from Maharashtra, is particularly noteworthy. This is a celebration of both language and culture. The inclusion of cultural elements not only adds aesthetic appeal but also grounds the language learning process in the rich heritage of the region. This combined approach encourages a deeper appreciation for the language and its cultural significance.
Expansion and Scope
This festive season, Oxford is expanding its bilingual and trilingual dictionary offerings with new mini and compact versions that cover a variety of languages. These expansions will include Bengali, Gujarati, Malayalam, Kannada, and Marathi. This broadens the resources available to language learners across India. This strategic move shows the commitment to supporting multilingualism and offering accessible language tools to a wider audience. The dictionaries serve as a gateway to exploring the languages and cultures of India.
