Abstract: English learner’s dictionaries play a significant role as references or tools in English learning. Intelligent use of learner’s dictionaries is helpful to learners in developing their ability in independent thinking and solving problems, thus to cultivate the capacity of autonomous learning. However, researches about dictionary use at home and abroad indicate that most EFL learners are not efficient dictionary users. The problems may result from the fact that dictionary consultation for most learners occurs spontaneously after class without the teacher's guidance. Chapter 1 of this paper gives a sketch of the definition and history of English learner’s dictionary. Chapter 2 takes three authoritarian dictionaries as examples to illustrate special features of learner's dictionaries in grammar, examples, usage and word frequency, as well as main functions that they provide in English learning for EFL learners. Chapter 3 deals with a questionnaire, in which the data shows the basic situation of dictionary use among college students in China. The last part discusses the role of teachers concerning dictionary use in EFL teaching, and how the learners can make use of learner’s dictionaries to improve learner autonomy.
Key Words: English learner’s dictionary; dictionary-use strategy; learner autonomy
CONTENTS
Introduction 1
1. Researches on English Learner's Dictionaries 1
1.1 The Definition of English Learner’s Dictionaries 1
1.2 Difference between Learner's Dictionaries and Native Speaker's Dictionaries 2
1.3 The Development of English Learner's Dictionaries 3
2. Features of English Learner's Dictionaries 5
2.1 Providing Detailed Grammatical Information 5
2.2 Providing Rich Illustrative Examples 7
2.3 Providing Information about Usage 8
2.4 Providing Information about Word Frequencies 9
3. The Dictionary Use Questionnaire 10
3.1 Types of Dictionaries Used and Frequency of Consultation 11
3.2 Purposes of Consulting a Dictionary 13
3.3 Dictionary Use Habits and Strategies in Dictionary Consultation 14
3.4 Functions of Dictionaries that are Noticed and Checked 15
3.5 Sources of Dictionary Consultation Strategies 17
4. Dictionary Strategies and Language Proficiency 17
4.1 The Role of Teachers and Students Concerning Dictionary Use in EFL Teaching 17
4.2 Lexicographical Education 18
4.3 Consultation Strategy Training in Dictionary Use 19
4.4 Fostering Learner Autonomy in Various Learning Activities 20
5. Conclusion 21
Appendix 23
Bibliography 26
