Topics 1
Online Corpus-based Learner Dictionary
Introduction:
The best online learner dictionaries include:
(1) a corpus-based compilation of words;
(2) word frequency data;
(3) collocation guides;
(4) authentic examples of how words are used; and
(5) topical vocabulary from different disciplines.
CD ROM Dictionary:
The CD-ROM offers useful features not found in the hard copy:
• pronunciation guides (usually for both British and American language)
• electronic writing tools (designed to improve learners’ writing)
• quick find (clicking on a word in a text gives its definition)
• picture dictionaries (mostly in color)
• extra grammar and vocabulary exercises (to enhance learning)
• vocabulary notes (an electronic version of a vocabulary diary)
• wildcard functions (looking up words without knowing their exact spelling).
Dictionary features:
1-Corpus-based dictionaries
The dictionaries listed in Table 1 are corpus- based, which means the content is based on real-world spoken and written discourse when words, definitions, and examples are selected and organized. Church (2008) claims that corpus-based dictionaries “describe how language is actually used, as opposed to how it ought to be used” (334). Thus, definitions for a word are sequenced based on their frequency of use, and example sentences in corpus-based dictionaries are authentic. This sequencing makes it easy for learners of English to focus first on frequent words and meanings that will give them the most mileage.
2-Word frequency
Knowing whether a word is used a lot (high frequency) or a little (low frequency) in overall written and spoken discourse is very helpful information to English learners; that makes corpus-based dictionaries a must for the ESL/EFL classroom.
3-Collocations
With the use of corpora, lexicographers identify collocations (word combinations that normally go together) and incorporate them into learner dictionaries.
4-Authentic examples
For EFL learners another advantage of learner dictionaries over their general-use counterparts is the abundance of example sentences. In addition to definitions, learner dictionaries include “authentic examples to illustrate the use of words in context”.
5-Topical vocabulary
Another useful element corpus-based learner dictionaries offer for vocabulary learning is the way they present topical vocabulary by indicating how the words relate semantically to different categories. For example, in the LDCE, students can see that the word vocabulary belongs to the two topical groups “Linguistics” and “Language.” Other dictionaries provide synonyms and semantic webs to indicate different word usages and to illustrate how a single word relates to different concepts.
