The Effectiveness of Different Learner Dictionaries
The Effectiveness of Different Learner Dictionaries

Author: Ursula Wingate

Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG

Published: 2016-11-07

Total Pages: 312

ISBN-13: 3110960931

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This book examines two questions: firstly, which dictionary type, bilingual or monolingual, is most effective for intermediate learners of German, and secondly, which features make monolingual dictionary definitions more effective. Using Chinese students from Hong Kong and Shanghai as the subjects of research, the effectiveness of the different dictionary types for reading comprehension and incidental vocabulary learning was measured experimentally and by the think-aloud method. The only monolingual learner dictionary for German available at that time proved linguistically too difficult for the intermediate proficiency level. Therefore, new definitions were developed based on findings from the think-aloud study and on principles promoted as user-friendly in lexicographic literature. Comparison of the two definition types revealed several features that determine their effectiveness for intermediate learners. Findings have theoretical and pedagogical implications. In the theoretical field, some lexicographic principles were recommended that are, unlike previous principles, based on empirical insights into user needs. In the pedagogical field, the findings provide an empirical basis for the evaluation and recommendation of suitable dictionaries for intermediate learners.

Dictionary Look-up Strategies and the Bilingualised Learner's Dictionary
Dictionary Look-up Strategies and the Bilingualised Learner's Dictionary

Author: Jenny Thumb

Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG

Published: 2016-04-11

Total Pages: 140

ISBN-13: 3110918803

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The research has provided insights into the area of look-up behaviour, in particular, look-up strategies. A coding scheme of 51 executive, cognitive and metacognitive operations has been derived from the think-aloud data. On the basis of the codes, seven types of strategies were identified: Ignoring, Assuming, Minimizing, Checking, Paraphrasing, Stretching, and Maximizing. The results also indicated that the look-up strategies preferred one part (either L1 translation equivalents or L2 definitions) rather than both parts (L1 translation equivalents and L2 definitions) of the bilingualised entries. Four other factors i.e. language preference, language proficiency, target words and L2 definitions could also influence the use of the bilingualised entries in various degrees. Learners were shown to have common as well as different patterns of strategy use. Most learners attempted a variety of strategies while one learner repeatedly utilized one type of strategy. The frequency of strategy use for individual learners usually fluctuated when different types of strategies were used. Although a wide variety of strategies were used, not every strategy was used frequently. The most frequently used strategy was maximizing, which was used in 112 look-ups out of a total of 264. It appears that the learners repeatedly used strategies they are familiar with or they think are effective, and do not spontaneously try other strategies that they may know and that may be effective.

Research on Dictionary Use in the Context of Foreign Language Learning
Research on Dictionary Use in the Context of Foreign Language Learning

Author: Yukio Tono

Publisher: Walter de Gruyter

Published: 2012-05-10

Total Pages: 272

ISBN-13: 3110915014

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The purpose of this book is to conceptualise the research on dictionary use within a more general overview of language learning. It brings together some of the findings of studies on dictionary users and uses and shows how research into dictionary use can contribute to the improvement of dictionary design and the clarification of issues in language learning. The book also provides reports on a series of empirical studies on dictionary use in decoding activities (reading comprehension and L2/L1 translation) , which will shed some light on the nature of the issues discussed throughout the book. The book falls into two parts. Part I, »Research on Dictionary Use - State of the Art« is, as its title suggests, a summary of previous studies to tease out relevant issues in each area of inquiry. Part 2, »Empirical Studies« reports on a series of studies the author has conducted in the past 15 years. The first three studies (Chapter 5, 6, and 7) investigate dictionary use in the broader context of language learning. The next four studies (Chapter 8, 9, 10 and 11) report on a series of controlled experiments on the relationship between the macro- and microstructure of the dictionary and reference skills. Finally, the last two chapters (Chapter 12 and 13) report the use of learner language data for a better lexicographical output.

Specialised Dictionaries for Learners
Specialised Dictionaries for Learners

Author: Pedro Antonio Fuertes Olivera

Publisher: Walter de Gruyter

Published: 2010

Total Pages: 248

ISBN-13: 3110231328

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The need for constructing a lexicographical theory with a particular focus on specialised dictionaries for learners is well documented in recent publications. This will imply paying attention to, at least, four basic lexicographic categories: learners; the learner's situation; the learner's needs; dictionary assistance. In one or other way, these categories are analysed in this book, whose eleven chapters are grouped into three parts. Part 1 reflects on some of the main ideas defended by the function theory of lexicography, perhaps the theoretical framework that has paid more attention to specialised lexicography. Part 2 presents some proposals that have already being explored in the field of general learner's dictionary and must be incorporated into specialised metalexicography: cultural aspects; figurative meaning; the inclusion of grammatical information; the use of corpora. Part 3 introduces the state of play regarding specialised dictionaries in China and offers some ideas for coping with the proliferation of terminological glossaries in Internet. The book also describes Enrique Alcaraz's academic achievements, together with some personal anecdotes, and a personal short tribute to his memory.

Encyclopedic Learners' Dictionaries
Encyclopedic Learners' Dictionaries

Author: Martin Stark

Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG

Published: 2015-03-30

Total Pages: 312

ISBN-13: 3110916843

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This book describes and evaluates the usefulness of a recently developed lexicographical hybrid: the encyclopedic learner's dictionary (ELD). It attemps to answer three key questions: i) What are ELDs?, ii) How useful are they?, and iii) How can they be designed to serve their users most effectively? The first chapter analyses the ELD from a typological perspective. First, the elements combined to create this new branch of lexicographical typology are examined. Next, two encyclopedic learners' dictionaries are dissected and compared: The "Longman Dictionary of English Language and Culture" and the "Oxford Advanced Learner's Encyclopedic Dictionary". Each ELD is compared with its non-encyclopedic parent dictionary, and a checklist of ELD-specific design features is drawn up. The second chapter focuses on the user perspective in lexicographical research. First, a critical survey of previous user-based studies is provided. Next, the questionnaire-based methodology used in the investigation is described. Fourty informants completed the questionnaire and an attempt is made to correlate user characteristics with dictionary use and with attitudes towards the inclusion of encyclopedic information in learners' dictionaries. In the third chapter each design feature found in the ELDs is described in depth and the informants' evaluations of its usefulness are supplied. In this manner, the typological focus of the first chapter and the user perspective of the second chapter are synthesized in a user-informed analysis and evaluation of ELD components. Finally, the implications of this research for the future production of ELDs are presented as a checklist of recommendations, and suggestions for future lexicographical research are made.

The Role of Dictionary Use in the Comprehension of Idiom Variants
The Role of Dictionary Use in the Comprehension of Idiom Variants

Author: Renata Szczepaniak

Publisher: Walter de Gruyter

Published: 2012-03-12

Total Pages: 169

ISBN-13: 3110891719

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The book takes up the subject of dictionary use from the perspective of advanced learners. The study aims to explore the effects of the use of a monolingual learner’s dictionary on students’ performance in a complex comprehension task, i.e. the task of interpreting fragments with modified idioms, which often disrupt the fluent reading process. The theoretical part summarises the results of lexicographic research in the field of receptive dictionary use and discusses its methodological aspects. Moreover, it introduces relevant elements of the reading theory and analyses the nature of idiomatic expressions, their transformations in particular, from a psycholinguistic point of view. Finally, problems connected with the presentation of idioms in monolingual learner’s dictionaries are highlighted. The major, empirical part reports on an experiment, whose aim was to find connections between the consultation process, the way of presenting lexicographic information on idioms, and comprehension scores. The results reveal a mildly positive influence of the monolingual learner’s dictionary on reading comprehension performance. Among the reasons for underachievement were misinterpretation of entries and insufficient processing of dictionary information in context.

The Oxford Handbook of Lexicography
The Oxford Handbook of Lexicography

Author: Philip Durkin

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2016

Total Pages: 737

ISBN-13: 0199691630

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This volume provides concise, authoritative accounts of the approaches and methodologies of modern lexicography and of the aims and qualities of its end products. Leading scholars and professional lexicographers, from all over the world and representing all the main traditions andperspectives, assess the state of the art in every aspect of research and practice. The book is divided into four parts, reflecting the main types of lexicography. Part I looks at synchronic dictionaries - those for the general public, monolingual dictionaries for second-language learners, andbilingual dictionaries. Part II and III are devoted to the distinctive methodologies and concerns of the historical dictionaries and specialist dictionaries respectively, while chapters in Part IV examine specific topics such as description and prescription; the representation of pronunciation; andthe practicalities of dictionary production. The book ends with a chronology of the major events in the history of lexicography. It will be a valuable resource for students, scholars, and practitioners in the field.