From @ to Y2K, New Microsoft Encarta World English Dictionary Captures Language as the World Uses It

REDMOND, Wash., Aug. 31, 1999 — Three keypals are talking online in their rooms. The Australian boasts that he’s a good shredder. The next Irish correspondent relives an exciting moment from the last camogie game. The American waxes enthuses about her commitment to greentailing. What do they all have in common? They’re speaking communicating in English.

Ten years ago, these words might have been impossible to understand, but they are in fact English words that have become part of our global language as the increased use of technology has brought us closer to other English-speaking people around the world. With the Microsoft® Encarta® World English Dictionary CD – available now – in each computer, the three friends will all be sure to know that a shredder is a good snowboarder, camogie is a game similar to hurling, and greentailing is environmentally friendly retailing.

There has never been one definitive source that reflects the evolution of English worldwide – until now. Written in easy-to-understand, present-day language, Encarta World English Dictionary on CD-ROM is the first dictionary to capture the differences in English as it’s spoken around the world. The first newly written English dictionary in 30 years, Encarta World English Dictionary features 400,000 references. It was also the first created on the PC, for the PC, by a
“virtual team”
of more than 320 expert editors and consultants from more than 20 English-speaking countries.

“As English has become a nearly universal language spoken by more than 750 million people around the world, a clear need arose for a new dictionary that captures the language as it’s spoken,”
said Anne Soukhanov, U.S. editor and world-renowned lexicographer.
“Communicating solely through e-mail, editors sitting thousands of miles apart created a rich multimedia compendium of words and their usage that sets the standard for a modern dictionary.”

The CD-ROM dictionary also provides Word Origins, elaborating on where and how a word developed, and Cultural Notes, which expand on the use of words in cultural references such as books, plays and films. Students, adults and educators can also take advantage of audio pronunciation assistance or phonetic spelling – seeing words spelled as they sound.

“A dictionary is one reference tool everyone needs, and the Encarta World English Dictionary offers so much more to help students of all ages become better communicators and writers,”
said Janet Miller, media coordinator, Lincoln Elementary School, Oak Park, Ill.
“The beauty of the dictionary’s multimedia technology is that students of all ages can have a complete reference library at their fingertips with just a click of the mouse.”

The CD-ROM’s five additional references – the Encarta Book of Quotations, the Original Roget’s Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases, the Encarta 2000 Almanac, the Microsoft Press® Computer and Internet Dictionary, and the Encarta Manual of Style and Usage – provide people with the learning and reference tools necessary to stay current and master the English language.

Encarta World English Dictionary is available now on CD-ROM for an estimated retail price of $39.95 before a $20 mail-in rebate* (also available in print for an estimated retail price of $49.95). The dictionary is also part of the Encarta Reference Suite 2000 – the complete collection of multimedia reference tools for learning and exploration that includes Encarta Encyclopedia Deluxe 2000, Encarta World English Dictionary, Encarta Interactive World Atlas and free** access to Encarta Online Deluxe through December 2000. The Reference Suite is available for an estimated retail price of $99 before a $35 mail-in rebate***.

Volume discounts for all products may apply for schools, colleges and libraries. More information on academic pricing and licensing is available at the Microsoft Education Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/education/products/ .

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

*$20 U.S./$30 CDN rebate valid with qualifying proofs of purchase in the 50 United States, District of Columbia and Canada only. Offer expires Aug. 31, 2000, or 30 days after product is acquired, whichever comes first. Limit one rebate per household.

**Free Encarta Online Deluxe offer is valid through Dec. 31, 2000. Access to and use of the Internet may require payment of a separate fee to an Internet service provider. Connect-time charges may apply. Offer valid in the 50 United States, District of Columbia and Canada only.

***$35 U.S./$50 CDN rebate valid with qualifying proofs of purchase in the 50 United States, District of Columbia and Canada only. Offer expires Aug. 31, 2000, or 30 days after product is acquired, whichever comes first. Limit one rebate per household.

Microsoft, Encarta and Microsoft Press are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages.

Related Posts