Publications
Publication details [#48287]
East, Martin. 2008. Dictionary Use in Foreign Language Writing Exams. Impact and implications. (Language Learning & Language Teaching 22). John Benjamins. xiii+228 pp.
Publication type
Book – monograph
Publication language
English
Keywords
Annotation
This book provides an in-depth analysis of what happens when intermediate level learners of a foreign language use a bilingual dictionary when writing. Dictionaries are frequently promoted to people learning a foreign language. Nevertheless, teachers often talk about their students’ inability to use dictionaries properly, especially when they write, and this can be problematic. This book paints a comprehensive picture of the differences a dictionary makes and brings out the implications for language learning, teaching, and testing practices. It draws on research in which participants in three studies took writing tests in two test conditions – with and without a dictionary. They were also asked what they thought about the two test types. Their performances and opinions were analyzed in a variety of ways.