Dictionary Use and EFL Learning. A Contrastive Study of Pocket Electronic Dictionaries and Paper Dictionaries

Pocket electronic dictionaries (PEDs) are gaining in popularity with an increasing number of EFL learners in Chinese colleges and universities and making an impact on the Chinese dictionary scene which is too great to ignore. This study compares patterns of use and perceptions of PEDs and paper dictionaries (PDs). It also examines the effects of dictionary use on vocabulary acquisition under PED and PD conditions. Some different patterns of use between PEDs and PDs are identified, which seem to result from design features of different types of dictionaries. PEDs and PDs are perceived as with different advantages and disadvantages. It is also found that there are no significant differences between PED and PD use in comprehension, production and retention of vocabulary although the speed of the former is significantly faster than the latter.