Milli mála - 2022, Side 182

MILLI MÁLA
Milli mála 14/1/2022 181
Abstract
Dictionaries, Language Learning and
Language Instruction
This article focuses on teaching the use of dictionaries in language
learning. Prior research has shown that the correct use of diction-
aries 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 defi-
cient skills. This can be attributed to the lack of systematic instruc-
tion 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 dic-
tionaries 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 stu-
dents of Spanish in several secondary schools in the Reykjavik area.
Keywords: dictionary use, second language acquisition, language
teaching
ERLA ERLENDSDÓTTIR