Use Of Dictionaries Research Articles

Lacunarity, lexicography and beyond: integration of the introduction of a linguo-cultural concept and the development of L2 learners’ dictionary skills

The paper discusses the integration of presenting theoretical linguo- cultural knowledge and developing dictionary skills in advanced students of a foreign language. The proposed approach allows showing students the interdisci- plinary character of various issues, one of which is cross-linguistic lacunarity. It is given as an example of a phenomenon, whose introduction can be combined with the development of students' dictionary use abilities. Lacunarity consists in the lack of some source language elements in the target language. Two main kinds of lacunae are distinguished: linguistic and referential ones. The focal issue of the paper is how the information on the lacunary character of words can be presented to advanced students of English as a foreign language, in this paper Polish learners, so that they could consider the phenomenon in terms of bilingual lexicography: first, becoming aware of the specifics of their description; second, practising their dic- tionary skills by analysing entries for selected lacunary lexical and phraseological units; third, combining the information and skills in doing creative tasks, related to lacunarity and its bilingual lexicographic descriptions. Furthermore, additional activities are proposed for revising the acquired knowledge on lacunarity and advancing dictionary use. Offering students tasks, which require them to adopt a different perspective, aims to increase their involvement in the learning process and to foster their autonomy as learners. Encouraging learners to reflect on lacunae and their lexicographic description is expected to familiarize them with the phenomenon and simultaneously to develop their dictionary skills by doing especially designed activities.

Fachlexicographie - Probleme, Aufgaben, Konzepte

Most LSP dictionaries are used as translation tools. Neglecting other uses allows us to describe some fundamental principles of LSP lexicography including economic factors as well as the user's world and linguistic knowledge. Use of terms in LSP texts and the requirements to guide the user to the dictionary's entry provoke us to differentiate lexicon forms from text forms, and additionally to define dictionary forms of terms. Normally, dictionary use is in three steps: forming a potential entry address, verifying the identity of the text and entry words' meanings, and selecting/adapting a word for the TL text. Díctionary making is surveyed in brief. LSP lexicographical research should be done in the fields of the user's lexical demand, of corpus and data collection, and of data presentation, in each case considering theoretical, technological, economic, and didactic aspects of LSP lexicography.

A course in dictionary use for Korean EFL teachers

This study examines knowledge needs for dictionary reference skills among Korean teachers of English within the context of a 12-h in-service teacher-training course in dictionary use. As an integral part of the curriculum development project, the study looked into various aspects of English teachers’ dictionary training needs, mainly by means of multiple survey instruments (i.e., before- and after-training questionnaires) and the qualitative analysis of the teachers’ during-course comments throughout multiple phases of the training process. The trainee-teachers’ spontaneous questions regarding dictionary use as well as their during-training feedback provided particularly useful information about the skills that should be focused on to meet the perceived training needs of current Korean teachers of English. The study has identified a clear need for typological and functional knowledge about the various dictionaries available, for informed dictionary choices, and for skills to exploit electronic dictionary functions. Most of the perceived needs were found to be related to across-dictionary skills, rather than skills specific to a particular dictionary. From this study, it was also found that explicit skill training can be a very effective mode of teaching for specific user-groups such as non-native teachers of English.

Dictionary Use as Word Solving Strategy (WSS)

L2 learners may try to pick up the unknown word’s meaning from a dictionary. Many different factors, such as how important the meaning of the word is in the passage, the number of unknown words, and the reason the students are working on it, etc., affect the frequency of the student’s use of the dictionary for help. However, trying to guess the meaning of the unknown word from the context before consulting a dictionary is more beneficial since this may help the learners to pick the correct meaning relevant to the text. Using a dictionary should be limited to those unguessable words whose meanings can hinder the learner’s understanding.

Use of monolingual, bilingual, and bilingualised dictionaries and EFL learners’ vocabulary learning strategies: A case study

This study investigated the effect of dictionary use on the vocabulary learning strategies used by elementary level EFL learners. Seventy-five female EFL learners were randomly assigned to one of three groups (25 members each): the monolingual dictionary, the bilingual dictionary, and the bilingualised dictionary groups. Students' responses on the vocabulary learning strategies were collected through a questionnaire which dealt with the vocabulary learning strategies the participants used to understand each target item in a reading passage selected based on readability formula. The results of Chi-square analysis indicated that the participants in the bilingual group consulted their dictionaries more frequently to solve their lexical problems than those in the monolingual and the bilingualised dictionary groups. The bilingualised group reported the least use of other strategies (e.g., analysing morphemes, and using cognates), while guessing was rarely reported by the bilingualised dictionary group. The results also revealed that the participants in the bilingualised and the bilingual dictionary groups were more willing to consult their dictionaries when reading the text than the monolingual dictionary group. In fact, guessing the meaning from the context as well as using other strategies was more common for the monolingual dictionary group.

Compressed Sensing Reconstruction of 3D Ultrasound Data Using Dictionary Learning and Line-Wise Subsampling

In this paper we present a compressed sensing (CS) method adapted to 3D ultrasound imaging (US). In contrast to previous work, we propose a new approach based on the use of learned overcomplete dictionaries that allow for much sparser representations of the signals since they are optimized for a particular class of images such as US images. In this study, the dictionary was learned using the K-SVD algorithm and CS reconstruction was performed on the non-log envelope data by removing 20% to 80% of the original data. Using numerically simulated images, we evaluate the influence of the training parameters and of the sampling strategy. The latter is done by comparing the two most common sampling patterns, i.e., point-wise and line-wise random patterns. The results show in particular that line-wise sampling yields an accuracy comparable to the conventional point-wise sampling. This indicates that CS acquisition of 3D data is feasible in a relatively simple setting, and thus offers the perspective of increasing the frame rate by skipping the acquisition of RF lines. Next, we evaluated this approach on US volumes of several ex vivo and in vivo organs. We first show that the learned dictionary approach yields better performances than conventional fixed transforms such as Fourier or discrete cosine. Finally, we investigate the generality of the learned dictionary approach and show that it is possible to build a general dictionary allowing to reliably reconstruct different volumes of different ex vivo or in vivo organs.

SU-E-I-41: Dictionary Learning Based Quantitative Reconstruction for Low-Dose Dual-Energy CT (DECT)

Purpose: DECT collects two sets of projection data under higher and lower energies. With appropriates composition methods on linear attenuation coefficients, quantitative information about the object, such as density, can be obtained. In reality, one of the important problems in DECT is the radiation dose due to doubled scans. This work is aimed at establishing a dictionary learning based reconstruction framework for DECT for improved image quality while reducing the imaging dose. Methods: In our method, two dictionaries were learned respectively from the high-energy and lowenergy image datasets of similar objects under normal dose in advance. The linear attenuation coefficient was decomposed into two basis components with material based composition method. An iterative reconstruction framework was employed. Two basis components were alternately updated with DECT datasets and dictionary learning based sparse constraints. After one updating step under the dataset fidelity constraints, both high-energy and low-energy images can be obtained from the two basis components. Sparse constraints based on the learned dictionaries were applied to the high- and low-energy images to update the two basis components. The iterative calculation continues until a pre-set number of iteration was reached. Results: We evaluated the proposed dictionary learning method with dual energy images collectedmore » using a DECT scanner. We re-projected the projection data with added Poisson noise to reflect the low-dose situation. The results obtained by the proposed method were compared with that obtained using FBP based method and TV based method. It was found that the proposed approach yield better results than other methods with higher resolution and less noise. Conclusion: The use of dictionary learned from DECT images under normal dose is valuable and leads to improved results with much lower imaging dose.« less

A study on dictionary use of Korean learners

A study on dictionary use of Korean learners

A Nonlinear Sparse Representation-Based Binary Hypothesis Model for Hyperspectral Target Detection

The sparsity model has been employed for hyperspectral target detection and has been proved to be very effective when compared to the traditional linear mixture model. However, the state-of-art sparsity models usually represent a test sample via a sparse linear combination of both target and background training samples, which does not result in an efficient representation of a background test sample. In this paper, a sparse representation-based binary hypothesis (SRBBH) model employs more appropriate dictionaries with the binary hypothesis model to sparsely represent the test sample. Furthermore, the nonlinear issue is addressed in this paper, and a kernel method is employed to resolve the detection issue in complicated hyperspectral images. In this way, the kernel SRBBH model not only takes the nonlinear endmember mixture into consideration, but also fully exploits the sparsity model by the use of more reasonable dictionaries. The recovery process leads to a competition between the background and target subspaces, which is effective in separating the targets from the background, thereby enhancing the detection performance.

SU‐E‐T‐469: Implementation of VAs Web‐Based Radiotherapy Incident Reporting and Analysis System (RIRAS)

Purpose:This Web‐based Radiotherapy Incident Reporting and Analysis System (RIRAS) is a tool to improve quality of care for radiation therapy patients. This system is an important facet of continuing effort by our community to maintain and improve safety of radiotherapy.Material andMethods:VA's National Radiation Oncology Program office has embarked on a program to electronically collect adverse events and good‐catch data of radiation treatment of over 25,000 veterans treated with radiotherapy annually. This VA‐Intranet based software design has made use of dataset taxonomies and data dictionaries defined in AAPM/ASTRO reports on error reporting. We used proven industrial and medical event reporting techniques to avoid several common problems faced in effective data collection such as incomplete data due to data entry fatigue by the reporters, missing data due to data difficult to obtain or not familiar to most reporters, missing reports due to fear of reprisal etc. This system encompasses the entire feedback loop of reporting an incident, analyzing it for salient details, and developing interventions to prevent it from happening again. The analysis reports with corrective, learning actions are shared with the reporter/facility and made public to the community (after deidentification) as part of the learning process.Results:Till date 50 incident/good catches have been reported in RIRAS and we have completed analysis on 100% of these reports. This is done due to the fact that each reported incidents is investigated and a complete analysis/patient‐safety‐work‐product report is generated by radiation oncology domain‐experts. Conclusions Because of the completeness of the data, the system has enabled us to analyze process steps and track trends of major errors which in the future will lead to implementing system wide process improvement steps and safe standard operating procedures for each radiotherapy treatment modality/technique and fulfills our goal of “Effecting Quality While Treating Safely”.RIRAS developed and copyrighted by TSG Innovations Inc.

Comparing the Effect of Using Monolingual versus Bilingual Dictionary on Iranian Intermediate EFL Learners’ Vocabulary Learning

This study aimed to investigate the effect of using two types of dictionaries (monolingual and bilingual) on Iranian intermediate EFL learners’ vocabulary learning. An OPT (Oxford placement test, 2001) was administered among 90 students 60 of whom were selected as the participants of this study. They were sophomore students studying English as a foreign language, with the age range of 19-27. They were then divided into two comparison groups: Monolingual Dictionary (MD) and Bilingual Dictionary (BD) groups. A pretest of vocabulary was administered to both groups. Then both groups were given a five-session treatment. One group was taught vocabulary based on monolingual dictionary, and the other group was taught vocabulary through bilingual dictionary. After the treatment, the same version of vocabulary test was given to both groups as posttest to check the effectiveness of the treatments. The results of Paired-Samples and Independent Samples t-tests revealed that the effect of monolingual dictionary on learners’ vocabulary learning was more than that of the bilingual dictionary use. The implications and recommendations will also be presented.

Research into the use of online dictionaries

Studies on dictionary use have been gaining ground over the last three decades or so, but while dictionary use has moved dynamically into the digital medium, user research on digital dictionaries has been somewhat slow in coming. In view of this, the first book-length work on the use of online dictionaries (Müller-Spitzer 2014) is particularly welcome. The present article undertakes a detailed critical review of the studies included in the volume, set in the more general context of the study of the use of digital dictionaries. It also includes suggestions for future research avenues.

An Exploration of the Effects of Electronic Dictionaries on Iranian Intermediate EFL Learners’ Reading Comprehension

This research examined the L2 learners’ use of electronic dictionaries compared to printed dictionaries. Nowadays, with the advancement and growth of technology, there has been a shift of trend from traditional paper dictionaries to online and electronic dictionaries. In this study the learners’ questionnaire, a reading textbook, a paper dictionary, an electronic dictionary, a reading comprehension test, and the semi-structured interviews were employed as instruments. At first, two questionnaires and the semi-structured interviews were conducted to identify the attitudes and beliefs of EFL learners in relation to the effectiveness of paper and electronic dictionaries on Iranian intermediate EFL learners’ reading comprehension. TOEFL Reading Flash: The Quick Way to Build Reading Power by Milada Broukal (1997) was used as the reading textbook. The Seventh edition of the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary authored by Hornby (2005) was chosen as the paper dictionary. The other dictionary used in this study was an equivalent electronic version of Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary on a CD-ROM as the electronic dictionary. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, 20) was used in order to analyze required statistics. A series of paired-sample t tests were run to examine the learners' reading comprehension scores. In addition, a series of chi-square tests were run to analyze the questionnaires. As results showed, electronic dictionary use has positive effect on learners’ reading comprehension skills and also electronic dictionaries help learners’ vocabulary learning. The implications of the findings are discussed and suggestions are made for future research.

Learning Strategy Training and the Shift in Learners’ Beliefs About Language Learning

This study examines the impact of teaching learning strategies on learners’ beliefs about language learning and reading comprehension ability. Participants were 78 university freshmen studying English language teaching, translation, and literature. They were divided into two groups. The experimental group received a number of learning strategies adopted and adapted by the researchers, including concept-mapping, vocabulary notebook, passage restatement, dictionary use, summary writing, and guessing. The treatment was carried out 4 hr a week for 15 consecutive weeks. The Language Learners’ Beliefs Scale, developed and validated by Birjandi and Mohammadi, and the reading comprehension section of Cambridge Preliminary English Test (PET) were administered before and after the treatment to identify the students’ shifts in beliefs about language learning and to measure reading comprehension ability, respectively. The results of independent t test indicated that the instruction of learning strategies changed the university students’ beliefs about language learning. Furthermore, learning strategy instruction could boost their reading comprehension ability.

Joint Sparsity Model for Multilook Hyperspectral Image Unmixing

Recent work on hyperspectral image (HSI) unmixing has addressed the use of overcomplete dictionaries by employing sparse models. In essence, this approach exploits the fact that HSI pixels can be associated with a small number of constituent pure materials. However, unlike traditional least-squares-based methods, sparsity-based techniques do not require a preselection of endmembers and are thus able to simultaneously estimate the underlying active materials along with their respective abundances. In addition, this perspective has been extended so as to exploit the spatial homogeneity of abundance vectors. As a result, these techniques have been reported to provide improved estimation accuracy. In this letter, we present an alternative approach that is able to relax, yet exploit, the assumption of spatial homogeneity by introducing a model that captures both similarities and differences between neighboring abundances. In order to validate this approach, we analyze our model using simulated as well as real hyperspectral data acquired by the HyMap sensor.

The European initiative EHR4CR – Lessons learned for EHR implementations in Africa

Nowadays, more and more clinical data are documented in electronic health records and are thus available in digital form. With the aim of re-using these data for clinical research, a European consortium consisting of 35 partners from academia, clinics, pharmaceutical companies and subcontractors initiated the project Electronic Health Records for Clinical Research (EHR4CR). Three different services are envisaged to be supported for the design and implementation of clinical trials using a single platform: Clinical protocol feasibility, Patient identification and recruitment, Clinical trial execution and Serious adverse event reporting. Four different working groups focus on the following areas: Specifications and Business Model development, Technology Platform and Tools including semantic interoperability and data protection/security, Pilot Activities and Reference Site coordination as well as communication, dissemination and project management. It became apparent that one critical issue to reuse clinical data is the availability of structured, standardized data elements at the hospital sites. African countries that are currently implementing or planning to implement EHRs are strongly advised to make use of medical terminologies and data dictionaries when designing their systems. Medical documentation should be as structured as possible and interfaces be made available in order to reuse clinical data for reporting or research purposes. A common data inventory for medical documentation and health management reporting could be a starting point.

A series of foundation phase dictionaries for a multilingual environment

The aim of this article is to reflect on the design and use of the Maskew Miller Longman series of dictionaries published in several different official languages of South Africa and aimed at learners in the foundation phase of primary school. It will be argued that when planning new dictionaries such as these, lexicographers should have the user perspective as point of departure by compiling user-friendly dictionaries suitable for the level of first-time dictionary users. Lexicographers should furthermore negotiate the position of the envisaged dictionary within a broader family of dictionaries – an approach that sees dictionary use as an integral part of a process of life-long learning, thereby establishing and promoting a dictionary culture.

4. Manual didáctico para el uso del diccionario bilingüe inglés-español / español-inglés

En el aprendizaje de una lengua extranjera el diccionario bilingüe es una herramienta valiosa; más, si se sabe emplear. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo principal reportar los hallazgos de la Fase de Diagnóstico de un Trabajo de Investigación bajo la modalidad de un proyecto especial. Este proyecto tuvo como propósito proponer un manual para el uso del diccionario bilingüe español-inglés / inglés- español. El trabajo se enmarca en la línea de investigación Metodología de la Enseñanza-Aprendizaje del Inglés bajo un enfoque cuantitativo y se ubica dentro de la modalidad de Proyecto Especial, apoyado en un estudio de campo. La población está conformada por 40 estudiantes de cuarto año a quienes se les aplicó una prueba de habilidad sobre el uso del diccionario. Los resultados arrojaron que los participantes presentan muchas dificultades al momento de localizar el adecuado equivalente en español de palabras con cambios morfológicos, polisémicas y de frases lexicales, lo que refleja el poco dominio de los estudiantes del diccionario bilingüe y que justifica la propuesta de un manual para guiar el uso del mismo.

Language learner perspectives on the functionality and use of electronic language dictionaries

AbstractThis paper investigates the extent of electronic dictionary use by language learners in an Australian university. All students in the study are formally enrolled in language courses across ten languages at first, second or third year level. The study places a particular emphasis on gauging student perceptions of the beneficial aspects of electronic dictionaries as judged by learners themselves in circumstances where they are able to act independently. As these benefits are often described in terms of usability and functionality, these particular terms are defined and introduced in the literature review, and then later they are employed to help structure and describe the results.The arguments for the discussion are supported by the use of empirical data taken from a large-scale survey conducted in 2011 (n=587) where comments from students were obtained on why and how dictionary-type resources were accessed and used (see also Steel & Levy, 2013). The paper restricts itself to the quantitative and qualitative data gathered on mobile phones, translators, dictionaries and web conjugators and related items (e.g. discussion forums). The particular functions that students use and the ways in which they use them are described and categorised, with the discussion supported by student comments.The data exhibits a remarkable range of resources available to students to look up unknown words or to see translations and, consequently, our understanding of what exactly an electronic dictionary might comprise is challenged. Many students’ comments demonstrate a sophistication and knowledge about the effective use of these dictionary tools together with a keen awareness of their limitations.

Problematicity of translating cultural idiomatic expressions from English into Arabic

Investigating the problematicity of translating cultural idiomatic expressions from English into Arabic has not been given due consideration by scholars. This situation is reflected in the limited number of theoretical and empirical studies on this area of research. To address this research gap, this paper primarily aims to investigate the subject in an attempt to provide insights into how its difficulties can be addressed. Forty adult Yemeni students of translation in their final year of graduation, whose ages ranged from 22 to 23 years old, were asked to translate seven authentic texts from English into Arabic. The texts, which contain eleven cultural idiomatic expressions, were chosen from the British newspaper The Guardian and translation text books. An analysis of the students’ translation scripts revealed that the percentage of the students’ errors and dictionary use reached about 74% and 20% respectively, which indicated that the students encountered difficulties in translating such cultural idiomatic expressions. The errors committed by the students are classified into addition, modification, omission, selection, and avoidance, which may have resulted from the students’ insufficient knowledge of English idiomatic expressions and lack of training in the use of translation strategies and techniques.