Which dictionary should I use with my ESL students?
When exploring the various types of dictionaries, it is essential to understand the primary distinction between monolingual and bilingual dictionaries. This distinction lies in the language used for word definitions and explanations:
- Monolingual Dictionaries: In a monolingual dictionary, both the word and its description are provided in the same language. For example, in an English monolingual dictionary, an English word is defined using English language descriptions. These dictionaries are particularly useful for native speakers or those seeking a deeper understanding of words in the same language.
- Bilingual Dictionaries: Contrary to monolingual dictionaries, bilingual dictionaries provide the word in one language and its explanation or translation in another. For instance, an English-Thai bilingual dictionary would list an English word followed by its Thai translation, and vice versa. This type of dictionary is especially beneficial for language learners or speakers who are translating between two languages.
Understanding these differences is crucial for selecting the appropriate dictionary type based on language needs. Monolingual dictionaries offer in-depth explanations in one language, while bilingual dictionaries serve as a bridge between two different languages.
Also read: What are the best books for ESL teaching?
Table of Contents
So what can we use a dictionary for?
Other types of dictionary to consider for ESL learners
So what can we use a dictionary for?
Firstly, within the dictionary itself we can find out how the words are spelled. We can also get the pronunciation as most dictionaries will include the phonemic symbols that go along with that word. This is very helpful for the students to be able to pronounce it correctly.
It can also give us ideas on what part of speech that particular word can be used for. Quite often after the word in the dictionary there will be letters like N or ADV for nouns and adverbs and so on.
Another thing that they sometimes do is show you a typical context of that word, so within some dictionaries they actually give example sentences showing how that word can fit into context.
Do's and don'ts
Do: there are some very useful homework activities that we can get the students to do by using their dictionary, which is a suitable activity to do alone.
Don't: it is quite important that we don't allow students to overuse the dictionary within the classroom itself.
Which one is best?
The best dictionary for your students initially will be the one they find most useful. As a starter or beginner they are likely to find that a bilingual dictionary helps them to find meanings faster. As they progress to higher levels or become more confident in the target language they may find that a monolingual dictionary is more useful. Monolingual dictionaries tend to provide more complex information and examples than bilingual versions.
Other types of dictionary to consider for ESL learners
Advanced vs Beginners
As the name suggests these dictionaries are designed for different language learner levels. Starter (beginner) and elementary level students would usually be better off with the beginner dictionary. Intermediate and upper intermediate level students would generally be better off with the advanced. Pre-intermediate level students fall in the middle, but this is the level where most would transition from a beginner to advanced level dictionary.
American vs British
Whichever version of the language the students are most likely to need would determine which of these dictionaries would be most appropriate.
Picture or illustrated
For young learners dictionaries with diagrams tend to be called picture dictionaries, whereas for adults they are often marketed as illustrated dictionaries.
Online dictionaries
Many online dictionaries of the same company and type as those above are available.
Finally
There is a free dictionary available by FARLEX that many teachers find useful.
Also read: Is grammar knowledge important when teaching English?
