* Language Evolution: Primary sources are documents from the past. Language evolves over time. Words that were common then might be archaic or have different meanings today.
* Specialized Vocabulary: Primary sources often deal with specific topics or professions, using specialized language that might not be familiar to modern readers. For example, a legal document from the 18th century might use terms that are no longer common legal parlance.
* Historical Context: Understanding the meaning of a word in a primary source requires grasping its historical context. Words can have multiple meanings, and the context of the source helps determine which meaning is intended.
* Author's Intent: Primary sources are written by individuals with their own backgrounds, perspectives, and intentions. Understanding the author's intended meaning of a word requires careful consideration of the context.
Here's how dictionaries and context clues help:
* Dictionaries: Provide definitions of words, including their historical usage and variations in meaning. They can help you understand the precise meaning of a word in a primary source, especially if it's archaic or has multiple meanings.
* Context Clues: Are the surrounding words and sentences in a primary source that help you understand the meaning of an unfamiliar word. These clues can be:
* Definition: The author might define the word directly within the text.
* Example: The author might provide an example that illustrates the meaning of the word.
* Synonym: The author might use a synonym for the word, or a word with a similar meaning.
* Antonym: The author might use an antonym for the word, or a word with the opposite meaning.
In short: Dictionaries and context clues are essential for navigating the language of primary sources, helping you understand the meaning of words and interpret the author's intentions within their historical context.