One of the most important tools used by language learners is a dictonary. But
what kind of dictionary should you use at different stages of your learning
and how can you get the most from the dictionary that you have chosen?
In these activities you are going to explore the benefits of using different
kinds of dictionary. You will also consider how useful your own dictionary is
and listen to some language learners talking about the dictionaries they use.
Activity 1: Evaluating your own dictionary
You are going to consider how helpful the dictionary you currently use to
support your language learning is.
Open your own dictionary and examine some word entries
carefully to see how much of the following information the dictionary provides.
Select the tick boxes next to any features that it includes:
pronunciation in phonetic symbols with word stress indicated
part of speech/word class
grammatical information about countability if a noun: [C] or [U]
grammatical information about transitivity if a verb: transitive [T] intransitive
[I]
derivatives/ derived forms (e.g. ...)
clear definition of word
examples of use taken from authentic contexts
variant spellings
possible collocations
(e.g. preposition needed after a verb)
alternative meanings/more than one entry per head word where needed
variety of the language ( e.g. Cuban Spanish, Argentinian Spanish, Mexican
Spanish etc)
words of similar or opposite meaning (synonyms and antonyms)
register/style/ level of formality (e.g. formal, spoken, colloquial, slang
etc)
historical origin (e.g. OE - Old English)
information about frequency of use (e.g. rare, archaic)
The more items you have been able to tick, the better your dictionary is
likely to be. Dictionaries which provide such information tend to be much
more useful in supporting you in your studies. It is also important that
you, as a user, are aware of what your dictionary can offer besides the
meaning or translation of a word.
How can different kinds of dictionary help with language learning?
Now think about the specific features that are offered
by each of the three types of dictionary below. List some of their useful
features in the box:
In the next activity you are going to listen to some language learners
talking about the dictionaries they use. When you have finished listening
look again at the features that you listed above and see if you can add
any further items.
Then think about your your own situation and specific language learning
needs and decide whether you are satisfied with the dictionary that you
currently use or whether you need to change your dictionary or use another
type of dictionary in addition, which provides you with more information.
If you need help, consult your tutor for advice about which dictionary
to get.
Activity 2: Getting help from your dictionary
Jack
Ling
Katie
Jack, Ling and Katie are three language learners who are studying different
languages. While being interviewed about language learning each of them gave
their opinion on using one of three types of dictionary:
a monolingual dictionary
a bilingual dictionary
a specialist dictionary in a particular subject area
Open the relevant exercise and listen to each of them
talking about their use of one type of dictionary.
As you listen complete the gaps in the summary and then
check your answers.
In the box below, make a list of important points mentioned
by the three language learners. Use these and the notes you made for the first
activity to help you decide whether you need to invest in a better or different
kind of dictionary to help you in your studies.
By the time you reach the advanced stage in learning a language, you should
find it more useful to use a good monolingual dictionary to support your
learning.
Many bilingual dictionaries offer a reduced vocabulary and have limitations
in the kind of additional information that they offer. This is particularly
the case with portable electronic dictionaries.
Specialist dictionaries are particularly useful for defining key terms
within specific subject areas in the language you are studying .
