We are the world’s largest university press. We have both a worldwide reach and a personal understanding of local needs, partnering on the ground to adapt publications and resources to meet the individual needs of communities, societies, and countries. We partner with researchers, educators, and technology partners to stay ahead of the changing ways people around the world are accessing and sharing knowledge. With a presence in more than 50 countries and millions of customers around the world, an idea launched at OUP can have a global impact.

More about OUP

Advancing Knowledge and Learning

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Oxford Dictionary of African American English (ODAAE) is a landmark scholarly initiative documenting the lexicon of African American English (AAE) in a dictionary based on historical principles. The ODAAE is being compiled and edited by a team of researchers, lexicographers, and editors sponsored and led by the OED and Harvard University’s Hutchins Center for African and African American Research. The joint team applies the depth and rigor of the OED’s historical methodology specifically to the study of AAE in order to create a dictionary to further illuminate the history, meaning, and significance of this body of language.

As an ODAAE Lexicographer, you are responsible for revising, editing, and drafting dictionary entries for African American English words and senses for publication in ODAAE. You also contribute to the development and refinement of a lexicographical model for the ODAAE which effectively describes and communicates the history and development of African American English.

Key Accountabilities include:

• Revise African American English entries currently in the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) for inclusion in ODAAE, to a standard agreed by trainer or supervisor and commensurate with experience, working to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the editorial and quotation text.
• Assess evidence for African American English words and senses not in the OED; prepare draft dictionary entries (or parts of entries) for those fulfilling ODAAE inclusion criteria, to a standard agreed by trainer or supervisor and commensurate with experience.
• Review the work of other editors, helping to ensure that the editorial text produced by them is complete, correct, and written in accordance with ODAAE house style.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of a lexicographical model for the ODAAE which will effectively describe and communicate the history and development of African American English.
• Undertake work, as required, to promote and publicize ODAAE, such as writing release notes, contributing to blogs or other public relations, participating in academic research or conferences, etc.
• Take editorial and other decisions appropriate to this role, in line with the strategic priorities and mission of ODAAE.
• Collaborate with ODAAE, Harvard, and Oxford colleagues as required, and contribute to building a collaborative, experimental, and inclusive culture among ODAAE staff and stakeholders.

ABOUT YOU

• Good knowledge of African American English, including its linguistic features (lexis, syntax, grammar, pronunciation, etc.), history, and sociolinguistics
• Good knowledge of African American literature and culture
• Good knowledge of Standard American English, including syntax, grammar, etc.
• Experience using various resources to investigate or research a topic
• Academic or practical knowledge of the history and theory of variation in English preferred
• Knowledge of other American varieties of English, especially those spoken in the American South preferred
• Knowledge of languages that have influenced the development of African American English (e.g., Gullah, African and Caribbean languages, including pidgins and creoles) preferred

Location: This role can be done remotely in the United States.

This is a 12 month temporary position.

Salary: $37,800 - $56,700 dependent on skills and experience

GJC: I4 (for internal purposes only)