How the language has developed since the first edition can also be found in the anniversary edition in 150 language stories. They show how society is reflected in the dictionary, says Den Boon. “Think of cosmetics. 150 years ago, there were only means like blanket on rice powder† Words that many people don’t even know anymore. Words like make-up on body lotion did not exist then. In such a language story it is brought together how such a development is reflected in the language.”
There’s another reason the Van Dale is the fattest ever. Some words have been given more examples. street scene used to be in the dictionary as ‘the image presented by a street or the traffic in a street’. “We now explain this with all kinds of examples: controlling, determining, dominating or disappearing from the streets.”
Sometimes words are sensitive. Then they get more explanation, such as native American† “We have added the description of the emotional value to that. That it is considered by some as an undesirable name and that there is an alternative: the Native American or the Native American.”
Genderinclusief
New insights in the field of gender equality and diversity have been taken into account on several fronts. Words like doctor and judge, traditionally masculine (m), now have the gender-inclusive addition (m/f/x). The new edition should radiate diversity just because of the different colors of the three parts, says Den Boon. The previous edition from 2015 was white.
There is no symbolism behind the choice for today’s pastel shades. “These have been chosen by the designer. It is an aesthetic choice. A lot of attention is paid to the design. The Dikke Van Dale is in many people’s closets and also has a decorative function, so they are colors that have to feel good.”
The edition in which the new edition will be published has not been announced, but the question invariably arises with the latest new editions whether it will be the last paper Van Dale. After all, an online version has been available for years.
According to Den Boon, the Van Dale papers are still relevant. “There are still people who really want to have a paper dictionary. It’s a lot of fun to browse.”
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