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      Dictionary Use
      Submitted by monicakld on 23 February, 2009 - 00:11

      Hello all

      I believe that selective use of dictionary is a good learning strategy and teachers should encourage this in langauge learning.What do you think?

      Average: 4 (4 votes)

      Comments

      amazinanian's picture
      amazinanian
      Using English-English Dictionaries are recommended
      Submitted on 23 February, 2009 - 20:41

      Dear  monicakld ,

      I think using an English- English Dictionary is very useful for learnig English , especially for using words in context and good sentences, Fortunately nowadays we have access to all kinds of useful dictionaries suitable for every learner 's level. Books,reading texts which illustrate meaning of words and slangs in an aooropriate way are also very useful for leaners.

      Best wishes.

      Ali asghar Mazinanian

      zira's picture
      zira
      Locating Information and Dictionaries
      Submitted on 24 February, 2009 - 13:22

      Dear Monica

      I fully agree with you! Using dictionaries and other reference sources are very important for devoloping study skills and skills of locating information, in particular.

      Special attention should be paid to the use of monolingual dictionaries as a indespansable tool not  only for developing students' range of vocabulary, but  raising both language and cultural awareness and developing some kind of "sense of the English language." Being based on the millions of sentences from authentic spoken and written language, examples in modern dictionaries help to understand the meaning of the word better and deeper. That is why dictionary can also be seen as a reference book.

      Teachers can develop different tasks to encourage learners to use dictionaries both monolingual and billingual. Besides,  the tasks can be based on the information taken from dictionaries. Cross-referencing  of  the dictionaries can contribute to developing both L1 and L2 as well as learners' mediation/translation skills.

      Best wishes from Ukraine

      Iryna Z.

      Amir A. Ravayee's picture
      Amir A. Ravayee
      Best friend of a student
      Submitted on 25 February, 2009 - 15:13

       Dear friend,

      I think a dictionary is the best friend of a student. It also helps a lot with the student autonomy.

      Something we must do is to teach the students the usages of a dictionary and how to look for what they want. They'd better use an English to English dictionary.

      Best regards

      Amir Abbass Ravayee