When Mr Webster wrote the dictionary where did he get words from and who decided how they would be spelled?

It's a common misconception that Noah Webster single-handedly wrote the dictionary and decided how words would be spelled. Here's a more accurate picture:

Noah Webster didn't create the English language or invent words. He was a lexicographer and scholar who:

* Compiled and organized existing words: He drew upon a vast collection of books, documents, and existing dictionaries. He aimed to create a dictionary that reflected American usage and pronunciation.

* Standardized spelling: While Webster didn't invent spellings, he did advocate for more consistent and simpler spellings. He believed that English spelling was unnecessarily complex and wanted to simplify it, which led to changes like "color" instead of "colour."

* Influenced American English: Webster's dictionary became a cornerstone of American English, promoting a distinct American identity.

Here's who decides how words are spelled:

* Usage and tradition: Over time, language evolves. Words are added, meanings shift, and spellings become standardized through widespread usage.

* Language academies: Some languages, like French and Spanish, have official academies that dictate spelling and grammar rules. English, however, lacks such a central authority.

* Dictionaries: Dictionaries are often considered authoritative sources for spelling, but they are not always completely consistent, as language is constantly evolving.

In summary, Webster was a compiler and reformer, not an inventor. He influenced the standardization of American English, but language is a living entity shaped by the collective usage of its speakers.