Dictionaries, Language Learning and Language Instruction

Abstract

This article focuses on teaching the use of dictionaries in language learning. Prior research has shown that the correct use of dictionaries contributes to a better encoding of the L2 and that skills in the use of dictionaries promote independence and increase the student’s activity in the language learning. Nowadays, foreign and second language learners have access to dictionaries for different levels of learning, both bilingual and monolingual as well as paper dictionaries or electronic dictionaries in various forms. According to surveys, most language learners prefer to use online bilingual dictionaries. The new technology, however, has not led to increased proficiency in dictionary use on the contrary, surveys indicate deficient skills. This can be attributed to the lack of systematic instruction and specific training in dictionary use. It is up to the language teacher to teach students dictionary use as well as to guide them
to select the appropriate dictionary. In order to be able to teach the use of dictionaries and to evaluate which dictionaries should be used at different language levels, the language teacher must have some knowledge of the different types of dictionaries and the structure and content of a dictionary. This article describes the organization of a master’s course on lexicography for future Spanish teachers, the purpose of which is to train future teachers in assessing which dictionaries are adequate for students at different language levels and
in teaching dictionary skills/use. Finally, the article reports on the results of a study investigating the use of dictionaries among students of Spanish in several secondary schools in the Reykjavik area.

Keywords: dictionary use, second language acquisition, language teaching