Mobile apps as language-learning tools: Challenges, problems and solutions of specialised lexicography

Silga Sviķe
Ventspils University of Applied Sciences
Abstract

This contribution researches various translation dictionaries – mobile apps with Latvian that are available for free on the Google Play Store and sets out the experience of developing specialised translation dictionaries at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS). The results encounter three different dictionary models that are compiled for the acquisition of Languages for Special Purposes (LSPs) to support vocabulary (term) learning, translation, reading, listening and writing skills during the foreign language-learning process. Dictionaries with grammatical information and rich, supportive data or encyclopaedic information added are more useful for understanding specific domain concepts and content, as well as for the translation practice. Thus, the dictionary user does not have to look for another application or other source to get this additional information. Each new app takes up some space on the user’s smart device; therefore, it is important to maximise the support provided by a single dictionary. The research provides insight into the range of dictionaries with Latvian available on the Google Play Store, gives a brief description, and explains the practical experience of VUAS when working on developing such dictionaries and applying them for language-learning purposes and specialised terminology courses for students. The study also provides an overview of challenges, problems and lexicographic and information technology solutions for mobile applications. The goal of the research is analysing and characterising those free-of-charge dictionaries in the form of mobile apps with Latvian as one of the translation languages. Surveys were used to gather and analyse research data. A survey of dictionary users and a survey of language learners using dictionary apps were carried out after the development of the specialised dictionaries.

Keywords:
Table of contents

Dictionary apps are valuable tools because of their capacity for publishing media and the fact that they are available for use on mobile devices that are always available. Certainly, the contents and functionality of such dictionaries are important so that they can be swiftly and effectively used for language learning and translating. Most of the largest compilers of general dictionaries have quickly adapted to the increased use of various mobile devices and have developed mobile versions for their dictionaries (e.g., the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the Oxford Dictionary of English). This is generally applied to the larger and more popular languages, whereas the offer for languages like Latvian currently is not as wide. Although the development of specialised dictionaries in the form of mobile apps is a relatively recent trend, the number and use of such dictionaries are constantly increasing.

Full-text access is restricted to subscribers. Log in to obtain additional credentials. For subscription information see Subscription & Price. Direct PDF access to this article can be purchased through our e-platform.

References

Balode, I.
(2012) Vācu-latviešu un latviešu-vācu leksikogrāfija (1991–2010). In A. Lauzis (Ed.), Vārdnīcu izstrāde Latvijā 1991–2010. Pētījums J. Baldunčika vadībā (pp. 16–61). Latviešu valodas aģentūra.Google Scholar
Clement, J.
(2019) Mobile app usage – Statistics & facts 1 August 2019 Retrieved on 12 August 2020 from https://​www​.statista​.com​/topics​/1002​/mobile​-app​-usage/
Gafni, R., Achituv, D. B., & Rachmani, G. J.
(2017) Learning foreign languages using mobile applications. Journal of Information Technology Education Research, 17, 301–317. Retrieved on 20 May 2021 from http://​www​.jite​.org​/documents​/Vol16​/JITEv16ResearchP301​-317Gafni3476​.pdf. DOI logo
Gangaiamaran, R., & Pasupathi, M.
(2017) Review of use on mobile apps for language learning. International Journal of Applied Engineering Research, 12(21), 11242–11251. Retrieved on 20 May from https://​www​.ripublication​.com​/ijaer17​/ijaerv12n21​_102​.pdf
Helviga, A., & Peina, E.
(2016) Mūsdienu latviešu terminogrāfijas raksturojuma daži teorētiskie un praktiskie aspekti. In J. Baldunčiks, I. Jansone, & A. Veisbergs (Eds.), Latviešu valodas vārdnīca. Valsts valodas komisijas raksti (8, pp. 127–158.). Zinātne.Google Scholar
Kacetl, J., & Klimová, B.
(2019) Use of smartphone applications in English language learning – A challenge for foreign language education. Education Sciences, 9(3), 179. DOI logoGoogle Scholar
Komachali, M. E., & Khodareza, M.
(2012) The effect of using vocabulary flash card on Iranian pre-university students’ vocabulary knowledge. International Educational Studies, 5(3), 134–147. DOI logoGoogle Scholar
Mondria, J. A., & Mondria-de Vries, S.
(1994) Efficiently memorizing words with the help of word cards and “hand computer”: Theory and applications. System, 22(1), 47–57. DOI logoGoogle Scholar
Müller-Spitzer, C.
(2013) Textual structures in electronic dictionaries compared with printed dictionaries: A short general survey. In R. H. Gouws, U. Heid, W. Schweickard, & H. E. Wiegand (Eds.), Dictionaries: An international encyclopedia of lexicography. Supplementary volume: Recent developments with a focus on electronic and computational lexicography (pp. 367–381). De Gruyter Mouton. DOI logoGoogle Scholar
O’Dea, S.
2020Market share of mobile operating systems worldwide 2012–2019. Statista 28 February 2020 Retrievd on 20 May 2021 from https://​www​.statista​.com​/statistics​/272698​/global​-market​-share​-held​-by​-mobile​-operating​-systems​-since​-2009/
Pym, A., Malmkjær, K., & Guttierrez-Colon Plana, M.
(Eds.) (2013) Translation and language learning: The role of translation in the teaching of languages in the European Union. Publications Office of the European Union.Google Scholar
[ p. 35 ]
Rudziša, V., Sviķe, S., & Štekerhofa, S.
(2019) Juridisko pamatterminu glosārijs līgumtiesībās Latvijā izdoto nozarvārdnīcu kontekstā / Glossary of contract law terms in the context of term glossaries issued in Latvia. In G. Smiltniece & L. Lauze (Eds.), Vārds un tā pētīšanas aspekti: Rakstu krājums, 23 (pp. 379–391). LiePA.Google Scholar
Sviķe, S.
(2018) A new dictionary of botanical terms: Data analysis of a lexicographic survey. Economics World, 6(3), 228–241. DOI logoGoogle Scholar
Sviķe, S., Kaija, I., Gorbunovs, A., Veckalne, A., & Šķirmante, K.
(2020) Medicīnas terminu vārdnīca: Mobilās lietotnes izstrādes metodoloģija un izmantotie digitālie resursi / Glossary of medical terms: Development of the methodology of the mobile application and digital resources used. In G. Smiltniece & L. Lauze (Eds.), Vārds un tā pētīšanas aspekti: Rakstu krājums, 24 (1/2, pp. 412–424). LiePA.Google Scholar
Sviķe, S., & Šķirmante, K.
(2019) Practice of smart LSP lexicography: The case of a new botanical dictionary with Latvian as a basic language. In I. Kosem, T. Zingano Kuhn, M. Correia, J. P. Ferreria, M. Jansen, I. Pereira, J. Kallas, M. Jakubíček, S. Krek, & C. Tiberius (Eds.), Electronic lexicography in the 21st century. Proceedings of the eLex 2019 Conference, 1–3 October 2019, Sintra, Portugal (pp. 1–17). Lexical Computing CZ.Google Scholar
Sviķe, S., & Stalažs, A.
(2019) Jaunās botāniskās vārdnīcas mikrostruktūra: Tradicionālais, mainīgais, inovativais / Microstructure of the new dictionary of botanical terms: Traditional, variable and innovative aspects. In G. Smiltniece & L. Lauze (Eds.), Vārds un tā pētīšanas aspekti: Rakstu krājums, 23 (pp. 418–429). LiePA.Google Scholar
Van der Yeught, M.
(2018) Charting the diachronic dimension of specialised languages: Epistemological challenges and pedagogical relevance. In N. Monnier (Ed.), Languages for specific purposes in history (pp. 1–15). Cambridge Scholars.Google Scholar