Comparing Electronic Dictionary Functions and Use

Abstract

The aim of this study is to review general findings about the changing use of electronic dictionaries (EDs) by Japanese college students of English as a foreign language. Subjective survey feedback from students using such computerized dictionaries is reviewed, and records of their objective performance on various vocabulary lookup and learning tasks are compared. This study presents a descriptive survey of Japanese freshmen students’ use of various electronic dictionaries, a brief survey of graduate students’ use of online dictionary, reading and vocabulary sites, and a comparison with other research studies investigating learners’ degree of use of EDs. Many overall trends are clearly discernable by comparing these findings that can help us improve language learning by means of more precise and effective guidance and recommendations concerning the use of EDs. Based on these findings, practical recommendations for improving both vocabulary learning and systematic strategy training in the effective use of electronic dictionaries are given. Finally, suggestions for further research are provided to help raise learners’ awareness of various useful functions within their EDs. In this paper, research done over the years on EDs relative to their impact on second language vocabulary acquisition will be discussed first. Next, a two-part study of graduate versus undergraduate Japanese college students’ use of EDs will be discussed, together with outcome and implications. Finally, suggestions for further research will be offered.

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