Studying Usage of EFL Dictionary at Graduate Level in South Punjab

Abstract

This research aims to study the dictionary using habits among the learners of English asa second language in the South Punjab region of Pakistan, their reference skills, and look-upbehaviours. Literate people usually keep and consult a dictionary for negotiating with meaning, and in the case of dealing with the lexis of a foreign language, dictionary usage assumes far greater importance. Dictionary using skills in the EFL context assume considerable significance in ELT classrooms where dictionary skills are emphasized as the bedrock of learning the English language with an optimal level of proficiency. Lexicographers take into view the factors such as lack of dictionary using skills, behavioural factors, L1 background, and desired goals for command of L2 as key variables in compiling dictionaries. It is questionnaire-based research that employed a mixed-method approach. The objectives were set to explore the effects of basic dictionary skills and suggesting better strategies to exploit the monolingual EFL dictionary to the maximal potential. The theoretical framework of this study was based on Tono (2001). Data was collected through a questionnaire having close-ended as well as open-ended questions. 240 learners of English, both male and female, at the graduate level in public as well as private universities and colleges of Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Bahawalpur divisions, were involved in the study as respondents. Data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Findings showed that L1 background, L2 proficiency level, students’ behavioural factors, and untrained and inexperienced teachers were the cause of faulty dictionary use and lack of references of skills among EFL learners.