2015-08-21
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The first pronouncing dictionary was published in 1780 by Thomas Sheridan, an Irish stage actor, educator and a major proponent of the elocution movement. He is the grandfather of the great dramatist. The title page of the dictionary says "A complete dictionary of the English language with regard to sound and meaning. One main object of which is to establish a plain and permanent standard of pronunciation to which is prefixed a prosodial grammar."
In 1791 there appeared The Critical Pronouncing Dictionary and Expositor of the English Language by John Walker, an actor.
