• Fei-Hsuan Liao

  Author

Dictionaries are indispensable for foreign language learning but have not yet received sufficient
attention in Taiwan and as a result, language learners cannot develop appropriate skills for
more efficient learning. A nationwide survey was conducted and intended to obtain a better
understanding of dictionary look-up behaviors of Taiwanese EFL learners. Questionnaires
distributed by post among high schools and universities with special interest in its contribution
of dictionary use to reading comprehension and vocabulary learning. A detailed analysis
indicates that learners tended not to interrupt the reading process by consultation behaviors as
well as always inclined to select contextual appropriate meaning for comprehension. Findings
related to vocabulary development are more encouraging in that learners intended to expand
their vocabulary width and build up vocabulary depth when they attempt to look up not only
unknown words but also unfamiliar ones and, in addition, to cover more semantic meanings of
polysemous words. A pedagogic position is therefore proposed for dictionary use. Training on
the skills of dictionary use is recommended to integrate into language classroom so as to instruct
learners to adopt more effective skills. With regular practice, language learners can have better
opportunity to improve foreign language learning by means of proper dictionary use, especially
in vocabulary learning and reading comprehension.

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