Date: Thu, 25 Jul 1996 23:43:21 -0700

From: Kim & Rima McKinzey rkm[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]SLIP.NET

Subject: Re: literary words/cupola



I'll stick my 2 cents in here - as the pronunciation editor of AHD II and

III. Yes, we ask and call those using any given word for their

opinion/wisdom (sailing terms to sailors, chemical terms to chemists,

medical terms to doctors/pharmacists/etc.). We try to go to the horse, as

it were. We also use as many other sources as seems necessary or

reasonable. (And then, of course, there's our own personal opinions - so

there.)



As a dictionary is a 2 dimensional medium - even if variant pronunciations

have relatively equal distribution, we have to put one of them first.

Sometimes this is established by the stylistic rules of the dictionary,

sometimes it is established by tradition, and sometimes it is somewhat

arbitrary. Very often, with relatively "rare" or "literary" entries, the

more traditional, conservative approach is taken. (And then, of course,

there's our own personal opinions - so there.)



Rima