Using Dictionaries by EFL Undergraduate Students to Enhance English Language Learning

Abstract

This study sets out to examine the use of dictionary as an indispensible tool of foreign language learning. A number of strategies have been taken to accomplish the goals of this research. Quite a number of hypotheses were proposed namely that undergraduate students hardly use dictionaries to work out the meaning of new words they come across. The population of this study is EFL students, fourth year at the Sudan University of Science and Technology. A number 50 heterogeneous (males/females) students were randomly selected. Their ages range between 19 to 22 years. A carefully designed pre-test was adopted to assess the standards of the students. The very same test was used as a post-test to precisely delineate the progresses and improvements they have achieved. A. Questionnaire was also used for the tutor basically on the use of dictionaries by undergraduate students. A logical conclusion has been drawn that an intensive use of dictionary or different types of dictionaries is required that highly motivated students who have had an earlier experience with dictionaries have successfully managed to maximize the learning environment in comparison with their peers who have hardly had encounter with the dictionary. A number of suggestions have been made. In that much research is needed on this particular area especially after the advent of electronic dictionaries.