[Key words] electronic dictionary PED English learning [Abstract] The rapid development of electronics has given birth to a variety of palm-top electronic dictionaries (PED for short) which have come into popularity among English learners. PED, with its multiple functions, has brought great convenience and exerted noticeable influence on English learning. However, the improper use of PED also produces negative effects. Beginning with a discussion about the types and basic functions of PED, this paper examines its current use among English learners and mainly probes into how to use PED correctly and effectively to facilitate English learning. PED, with its limitations and drawbacks, could be of great help to English learning if handled appropriately. 1. Introduction Since the late 1980s, the development of the electronic dictionary has become increasingly noticeable in China. Different types of electronic dictionaries, such as the compact disc dictionary, the online dictionary, the network dictionary and the palm-top electronic dictionary (PED for short) pour into market one after another. As a product of modern educational technology, PED has gained growing popularity since its advent. It is well received by English learners for its great convenience, quick retrieval and diverse functions. More and more students use PED, and some students have come to cherish it as an indispensable tool for English learning. The wide use of PED has exerted noticeable influence on language learning, which draws extensive attention. Beginning with a discussion about the types and basic functions of PED, this paper expatiated upon its current use among English learners and then mainly discusses how to use PED appropriately and effectively to facilitate English learning. PED could be of great help to English Learning if users bring its advantages into full play. 2. The types, basic functions and influence of PED 2.1 The types of PED There are different criteria in classifying the types of dictionary. According to the number of entries it contains, PED can be classified into three types, that is, the big, the medium and the small one. The big PED usually covers a vocabulary of over 300,000. With its big size and great capacity, the big PED is expensive and has multiple functions. It provides a detailed and comprehensive treatment for its headwords. There are convenient accesses to enquiry and intellectual processing as well. However the variety of the big PED is limited [1]. The medium PED has a vocabulary ranging from 200,000 to 300,000. Characteristic of a relatively big size and high price, the medium PED also has some auxiliary functions. According to the difference of functions, it could be divided into three grades, namely, the top, the medium as well as the low grade. The small PED provides a vocabulary between 100,000 and 200,000. This type of PED is small in size, delicate in appearance, and low in price, with practical and easy-to-operate functions. Therefore the small PED has attracted a great number of users. It is the most popular one among these three types of PED. 2.2 The functions of PED Compared with the paper dictionary, PED has some distinctive and incomparable functions. Though PED of different types and brands have diverse functions, generally speaking, most of them share the following common features. 2.2.1 Information retrieval This is the basic and the most important function, without which, PED, (actually any dictionary) would become useless. Thanks to the development of technology, users can learn some knowledge about vocabulary simply by inputting some words at the retrieval entry. PED provides a lot of information about words, including pronunciation, word class, meaning, usage, register, grammar, examples and etymology, etc. 2.2.2 Information display PED can present the enquired information on the screen instantly. Users can get what they want to know about a word, a phrase or an expression in a second. This function serves as a link between the user and the PED. 2.2.3 Pronunciation function It is a function that the paper dictionary does not possess. Users can learn how to pronounce a word correctly with the aid of PED. This function is especially useful for beginners. Users can also record their own pronunciation and then compare it with the correct one installed in PED, thus helping improve their pronunciation. 2.2.4 Auxiliary functions In addition to the fundamental functions, PED also provides some auxiliary devices. For example, many users can store some information in their PED. They can keep some newly learned words in the notebook in PED and review them regularly. Some PEDs provide vocabulary exercise, which is useful for English learners. Furthermore, most PEDs have the downloading function, through which users can get access to the abundant information on the Internet. And they can also play games and get some entertainment with PED. In short, PED enjoy many superior functions that cannot be found in the traditional paper dictionary. 2.3 The advantages and disadvantages of PED |
