MÁRKUSREFERENCE SKILLS – WHY (AND HOW) SHOULD WE ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO USE DICTIONARIES?
MÁRKUSREFERENCE SKILLS – WHY (AND HOW) SHOULD WE ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO USE DICTIONARIES?

Author(s): P. Katalin Márkus
Subject(s): Lexis
Published by: Scientia Kiadó
Keywords: lexicography; reference skills; dictionary skills; dictionary use; dictionary didactics;
Summary/Abstract: Among reference works, dictionaries are particularly important in foreign language learning. Dictionaries provide language learners with a wide range of knowledge; however, wading through the mass of information can be a daunting task. Mastery of the dictionary should be an important part of language skills, yet in official educational documents (in Hungary), there are no clear guidelines on how to develop these skills. By integrating dictionary skills into the curriculum and teaching them explicitly in lessons, teachers could play an important role in bridging the gap between lexicographers and dictionary users. In the present study, the writer reports on her methods of teaching lexicography (at a Hungarian university) as well as dictionary skills to university students. The author speaks from experience: the discussion and accompanying material are based on more than 15 years of teaching practice. The aims of the paper are twofold: first, to encourage the teaching of lexicography at the university level by providing concrete methods and then to highlight the importance of dictionary skills.

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