Activation of Using English Dictionaries by English Majors at Al-Imam University: Uses, Difficulties, and Types of Used Dictionaries

Abstract

This study aims at activating the use of English language dictionaries by English majors at Al-Imam Mohammad Bin Saud University located in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. It mainly tries to find out students' skills in using dictionaries, the difficulties students encounter while using their dictionaries, and the type of the used dictionaries. The population of the study consists of all English majors at Al-Imam University, while the specific sample of the study consists of about 60 male students selected randomly out of the third and fourth- year English majors at the same university. The subjects of the study were asked to fill in a questionnaire designed by the researcher himself. This questionnaire includes about 30 items divided into three domains: dictionary uses, difficulties of using dictionaries, and the types of the used dictionaries. The gathered data were statistically analyzed, and the results were discussed and commented on. The researcher reached some conclusions and recommendations which might make the usability of the dictionaries more effective and beneficial for both teachers and students; and as a result, to facilitate the teaching/learning process of English majors at this university.