There are several uses that can be derived from a dictionary. Especially for the students, it is advisable to refer to a dictionary as many times as possible to get the best results. It lends a practical help in developing the three most important language skills–Speaking, Reading and Writing. Dictionary aids a learner, who has already mastered the basic rules of English Grammar and pronunciation, to improve his command over the language. It is meant for the learner who desires to enhance his knowledge of English expressions and enrich his vocabulary. English is a rich language which consists of nearly a million words and numerous idiomatic expressions. In order to gain mastery over the language, one has to certainly use dictionary very often. A good student uses a dictionary several times a day!
There are several varieties of dictionaries available in the market.
Large Dictionaries:
Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Cambridge International Dictionary of English
Collins COBUILD Learner’s Dictionary
Medium-sized Dictionaries:
Collins COBUILD Essential Dictionary
Oxford Wordpower Dictionary
Longman Active Study Dictionary
Besides, we find Thesauruses, Word-finders, Activators, etc. which contain rich information.
What Information does a Dictionary Provide?
v the spelling of a word
v the meaning of a word
v the pronunciation of a word
v the grammar of a word
v the usage of a word
A dictionary gives complete information about the special grammatical features of a word along with examples on how to use it in different contexts. It also supplies information about the parts of speech, common collocations, word patterns, sentence structures, phrases and clauses, idioms, synonyms, antonyms and definitions. Illustrations are given to make a difficult word more vivid because a drawing or a picture immediately appeals to the reader’s eye and makes a complex meaning easy and comprehensible.
Some Useful tips for Using a Dictionary Effectively :
Many learners do not know how to use a dictionary effectively. When a learner comes across a word for the first time, he can take the help of a dictionary to understand its meaning. When he encounters difficulty in comprehending the connotation of certain idioms or compounds, he may look up into a dictionary so as to get a clear idea.
A dictionary is a book listing and explaining the words of a language, or the words of a special subject. The words are explained and arranged in an alphabetical order. They are printed in bold type. These words are called Headwords. The information explaining the meanings and uses of headwords is called an Entry. In English, most of the words have multiple meanings. However, no two words carry the same meaning though they are synonymous. Every word has its distinct meaning, shade and flavor and has to be used contextually. Read through the different meanings because the first meaning in the dictionary may not be always the one you are looking for. For example, ‘frontier’ and ‘border’ are synonyms. But when we use them, we have to see the context and choose the correct word which fits into that particular context. We may say ‘The frontier of my country’ and ‘The border of my country’. However, we cannot say ‘The frontier of my saree’. We can use only ‘border’ in this context. So, we have to be cautious while selecting words and a dictionary is a sure guide. Learners face difficulties while learning the English language because, in English, sometimes, two or more than two headwords have the same spelling. Such words are numbered like this: bit1, bit2, bit3, bit4 .All these words have the same spelling but either their meanings are different or they belong to different source of language or different parts of speech. They are called homographs. For example bit1 meaning a small piece or quantity as apposed to bit2 meaning past tense of the verb bite. Such finer aspects of language can be learned by constant use of a dictionary.
Another peculiar feature of English is the compound words. Compound words are formed by adding another word to a headword. They are generally written as two words, separated by a hyphen or space between the two words, e.g. walking-stick, light-hearted, etc. If the hyphen is not placed properly, the meaning changes completely. A dictionary clears such doubts.
In order to save space, the symbol (~) known as the ‘Tilde’, is used if a headword has more that three letters .To cite an example, for the word ‘owner’. You find the entries, ~ship (ownership), ~less (ownerless), ~ occupied (owner-occupied), ~ -driven (owner-driven).
The English alphabet has 26 letters. But each letter has many sounds and one letter can be pronounced in different ways. A dictionary helps us to learn the correct pronunciation by way of supplying the phonetic spelling. Phonetic spelling is a sure guide of pronunciation because one phonetic symbol always represents only one sound. For example, the phonetic spelling for the word ‘quay’ is /ki:/. So, whenever there is any confusion regarding the pronunciation, look up the word in a dictionary to clear your doubt .The dictionary also gives the pronunciation of British English and American English very clearly.
Using a dictionary should become a habit. The learners will surely reap rich results if they use a dictionary regularly.