Redefining Dictionaries for Mobile Learning: A Study of the Learner-Friendly Features of an Online Dictionary

Abstract

Amidst a plethora of materials available for learning English as a second or foreign language, the place of dictionary has not been defined adequately. The potential of dictionaries as source of information about language pertaining to vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and spellings is generally underestimated. While the use of primary teaching materials like textbooks may be maximized or minimized depending on the context, the scant use of a dictionary is common to most of the language classrooms around the world. The ‘taken-for-granted’ approach towards dictionaries has made its use recede to the background in the language curriculum. Reasons like time constraints, the teacher’s lack of training or expertise, non-affordability or lack of resources etc. could also be cited in favour of the usual neglect of this teaching-learning aid. However, with the recent splurge in the use of mobile devices for language learning, the place of dictionaries is being redefined in the language learning process due to factors like portability, freedom of time and place, flexibility of usage, and social connectivity. The present article is an attempt to explore and uncover a range of features offered by mobile dictionaries that could potentially foster language learning. The focus of study and observations will be the online version of Oxford Learner’s Dictionary since it incorporates the printed version and provides additional learner-centred resources. The use of this dictionary is looked at as an opportunity to be utilized in order to strengthen linguistic and communicative competence of the learners.