The Effect of Monolingual and Bilingual Dictionary on the Foreign Language Learners&amp;apos; Acquisition

Nada Mohsin Aboghunaim

doi:10.11648/j.ijalt.20190504.11

Abstract

Dictionaries have traditionally been a widely used tool by foreign and second language learners. In spite of the rejection of using dictionaries in classroom by some teachers, recent studies have showed that dictionaries play a vital role in language learning and teaching. The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of both monolingual and bilingual dictionaries on the foreign language learners' awareness and acquisition. The study seeks to investigate that monolingual dictionaries, unlike bilingual dictionaries, would promote and assist learners' acquisition. Although bilingual dictionaries are universally preferred by learners, teachers’ duty here is to encourage students to consult monolingual dictionaries during classroom since they often expose to the foreign language which is the end. Thus, the research will highlight the pros and cons of both monolingual and bilingual dictionaries. It will focus on the teachers' role which is crucial on not only guiding learners how to use dictionaries, when and which type but also allocating time during classroom to encourage students to consult the dictionary in order to be familiar with this tool. Finally, the striking findings are both dictionaries have positives and negatives but the good teacher can guide his/her students to consult the appropriate one in the specific time and a suitable task in classroom. Dictionaries are not always the perfect tool used by students and teachers but there are some cases and situations teachers should take in consideration when they deal with dictionaries.

Highlights

Dictionaries in general are often seen as a powerful pedagogical device in the process of foreign language learning
Dictionaries are seen as a basic tool in the process of foreign language learning for some teachers, some teachers believe that dictionaries hinder language learning
According to Nation and Lew & Adamaska-Salaciak, there are three types of dictionaries: monolingual dictionaries (MDs), such as Collins Cobuild English dictionary and Oxford English dictionary for learners in which a word entry, definitions and examples are written in one language

Summary

Introduction

Dictionaries in general are often seen as a powerful pedagogical device in the process of foreign language learning. This paper will investigate the crucial role of dictionaries that promote teaching strategies and develop linguistic skills. In this regard, a dictionary can be seen as an authentic source of knowledge in the foreign language learners' classes. Dictionaries are first manifested to meet the need of native speakers as oxford English dictionary. They have been modified to be used by millions of English learners around the world. [4] This paper will shed light on the first two types, i.e. monolingual and bilingual dictionary and to what extent they can enhance foreign language and promote acquisition. The study seeks to answer whether monolingual dictionary is the best dictionary in terms of language acquisition or not and why

Literature Review

Monolingual Dictionaries

Bilingual Dictionaries

Conclusion

Pedagogical Implication