University L2 Learners' Voices and Experience in Making Use of Dictionary Apps in Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL)

Qing Ma
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引用次数: 7

Abstract

Language learners can now access language learning information anywhere and anytime with handheld mobile devices connected to unlimited online information. Searching the meaning of unknown language items encountered online may be the first step for language learning to take place. Making good use of e-dictionaries and dictionary apps is a key factor that affects learning efficiency. Using a survey questionnaire completed by more than 200 participants and examining both quantitative and qualitative data, this study investigated how Hong Kong university L2 learners make use of dictionary apps and probed into what dictionary functions they actually use and what functions they desire when they engage in MALL. Four categories of dictionary functions, including lexical information, extra resources, lexical tutors, and lexical tools, are used to describe all dictionary functions that students accessed or desired. The results show that dictionary apps have become essential tools for Hong Kong university students to learn an L2 as well as facilitate their academic studies; bilingual dictionaries with multiple functions and rich resources are meaning decoders that help students engage in learning both in their subject courses and English learning. Some discrepancies exist in learners' actual use and desired use of dictionary functions, which deserve the further attention of both app developers and language teachers to improve learners' efficiency of vocabulary learning. In addition, teachers play an important role in guiding students' lexical learning. Based on the findings, a framework for understanding Hong Kong university students' choice and use of dictionary apps is provided, based on which implications are offered and discussed.
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大学二语学习者在移动辅助语言学习(MALL)中使用词典应用程序的声音与经验
语言学习者现在可以随时随地使用手持移动设备连接无限的在线信息来获取语言学习信息。搜索在线遇到的未知语言项目的含义可能是语言学习的第一步。善用电子词典和词典应用程序是影响学习效率的关键因素。本研究通过200多名参与者完成的问卷调查,结合定量和定性数据,调查了香港大学二语学习者如何使用词典应用程序,并探讨了他们在使用MALL时实际使用的词典功能和他们希望使用的词典功能。四类字典功能,包括词汇信息、额外资源、词汇指导和词汇工具,用于描述学生访问或需要的所有词典功能。结果显示,字典应用程式已成为香港大学生学习第二语言和促进学术研究的重要工具;双语词典具有多种功能和丰富的资源,是帮助学生在学科课程和英语学习中进行学习的意义解码器。学习者对词典功能的实际使用与期望使用存在一些差异,值得应用开发者和语言教师进一步关注,以提高学习者的词汇学习效率。此外,教师在引导学生词汇学习方面也起着重要的作用。基于调查结果,本文提供了一个了解香港大学生选择和使用词典应用程序的框架,并在此基础上提出和讨论了其影响。
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来源期刊
CiteScore
3.00
自引率
14.30%
发文量
49
期刊介绍: The mission of the International Journal of Computer-Assisted Language Learning and Teaching (IJCALLT) is to publish research, theory, and conceptually-based papers that address the use and impact of and innovations in education technologies in advancing foreign/second language learning and teaching. This journal expands on the principles, theories, designs, discussion, and implementations of computer-assisted language learning. In addition to original research papers and submissions on theory and concept development and systematic reports of practice, this journal welcomes theory-based CALL-related book and software/application reviews.
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