The Department of Language, Linguistics and Literature, in conjunction with the Richard & Jeannette Allsopp Centre for Caribbean Lexicography, held its fifth annual Richard Allsopp Memorial Lecture on January 31, 2020 in the Cynthia Wilson Arts Lecture Theatre. This lecture honours the legacy of the late Caribbean lexicographer Professor whose name adorns the Centre.

Professor Emerita Barbara Lalla of The UWI, St. Augustine Campus delivered her address entitled: “Disclosed wordings: lexicography and authorization of the Caribbean voice in fiction”. As a Caribbean literary author, Professor Lalla presented on bridging the connection between the usage of those words which are unique to Caribbean speakers while making reference to the Dictionary of Caribbean English Usage (DCEU). This dictionary, first published in 1996, still remains one of the most significant resources in the Caribbean. Her talk highlighted how the Caribbean words documented in the DCEU can be deployed to give an authentic voice to West Indian fiction, both for dialogue and narration.

This event was attended by students, departmental staff, Allsopp family members and specially invited guests.