Not all dictionaries are created equal: Some considerations towards improving the effectiveness of dictionary use in EFL

Abstract

This paper attempts to draw attention to the importance of making informed decisions regarding the use of dictionaries in EFL contexts. Random entries from two arbitrarily chosen dictionaries are examined according to the following criteria:(1) Clarity of definition(s),(2) order of presentation of the different meanings of a word,(3)grammatical advice,and (4)insights into the use of collocations. The findings of this analysis suggest that these two dictionaries differ in many respects.Pedagogical implications are discussed, and some suggestions to assist EFL teachers in making more informed dictionary choices are offered.