The Annual Newsletter of the International Reading Association's Phonics Special Interest Group
“Phonicator”
term submitted to the Oxford English Dictionary
In
2002, the word “phonicator” was officially submitted to the
Oxford English Dictionary. Examples of usage in print were documented
and the following definition was proposed:
Pho•ni•ca•tor fon’i-ka-ter n. 1. Humorous slang An educator who champions the use of phonics instruction as a method of beginning or remedial reading instruction, often used as a self-referent. “I’m a phonicator, and proud of it!” 2. Offensive slang (rare) Disparaging term for one who endorses the use of phonics. “Those phonicators are going to take the joy out of learning how to read.”
If
you notice an example of the term “phonicator” used in speech
or print, please mail or fax (818-610-0306) a complete reference citation
along with a xerographically reproduced copy of the quote, if published,
to:
Dr. Lynn Gordon
Department of Elementary Education
California State University,Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330
Gordon is studying the connotative evolution and usage of the term, as phonics experts embrace “phonicator” and make it their own.