ABSTRACT

A questionnaire survey was conducted among 51 junior English majors from Jiangsu University. It aims to identify the problems in English dictionary use, to propose some suggestions and provide the basis of a theoretical and practical guide for improving English dictionary use. This study will also help English majors extract more effectively the large quantities of information contained in English dictionaries, and thus their independent English learning will be facilitated. 

The results show that most students do attach great importance to the dictionary, but they do not use their dictionaries frequently. Most of them rely on their more familiar native language, have a low level of competence in dictionary use and have few effective strategies. They have not received much instruction about dictionary use from their teachers.

On the basis of the major findings of this study, some implications and suggestions are provided to both teachers and students. It is suggested that teachers encourage students to use dictionaries more frequently and teach students dictionary use strategies. Students should explore the English dictionary further, use effective strategies, make rational use of electronic dictionaries and pay more attention to English definitions to form the habit of thinking in English.

Keywords：English majors; English dictionary use; strategies of dictionary use

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABSTRACT

摘要

Chapter One  INTRODUCTION-1

Chapter Two  LITERATURE REVIEW-2

Chapter Three  QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY-5

3.1 Research Questions-5

3.2 Instrument-5

3.3 Respondents-5

3.4 Procedure-5

Chapter Four  RESULTS AND DISCUSSION-7

4.1 Current Situation of English Dictionary Use-7

4.1.1 Purposes of English dictionary use-7

4.1.2 Types of English dictionaries used by English majors-10

4.1.3 Strategies used by English majors-12

4.2 Reasons and Suggestions-16

Chapter Five  CONCLUSION-19

REFRENCES-21

APPENDIX-23