Chapter 10 Chapter 10 English Dictionaries This chapter attempts to introduce and expound four types of dictionaries, their contents, scope and characteristics, and discuss how to choose and use dictionaries, and finally introduces three popular dictionaries. This chapter attempts to introduce and expound four types of dictionaries, their contents, scope and characteristics, and discuss how to choose and use dictionaries, and finally introduces three popular dictionaries.

Main Points Main Points 1.Types of Dictionaries: 1.Types of Dictionaries: Monolingual and bilingual dictionaries Monolingual and bilingual dictionaries Linguistic and encyclopedic dictionaries Linguistic and encyclopedic dictionaries Unabridged, desk and pocket dictionaries Unabridged, desk and pocket dictionaries Specialized dictionaries Specialized dictionaries 2. Use of Dictionaries: 2. Use of Dictionaries: Choice of dictionaries Choice of dictionaries Content of the dictionary Content of the dictionary Use of the dictionary Use of the dictionary 3. Three Good General Dictionaries: 3. Three Good General Dictionaries: Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English (New Edition) (LDCE) (1987) Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English (New Edition) (LDCE) (1987) Collins COBUILD English Language Dictionary (CCELD) (1987) Collins COBUILD English Language Dictionary (CCELD) (1987) A Chinese-English Dictionary (Revised Edition) (CED) (1995) A Chinese-English Dictionary (Revised Edition) (CED) (1995)

10.1 Types of Dictionaries: 10.1 Types of Dictionaries: 1. Monolingual and bilingual dictionaries Monolingual dictionaries are written in one language. That is, the headwords or entries are defined and illustrated in the same language. LDCE and CCELD published in Britain are both monolingual dictionaries. Monolingual dictionaries are written in one language. That is, the headwords or entries are defined and illustrated in the same language. LDCE and CCELD published in Britain are both monolingual dictionaries. Bilingual dictionaries involve two languages. The main entries are generally defined or explained in the same language with translation. Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary of Current English with Chinese Translation and Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English with Chinese Translation are good examples. Or rather the headwords are defined in another language or given their foreign equivalents. A New English-Chinese Dictionary is one case. Another kind of bilingual dictionary is A Chinese-English Dictionary (1995). Bilingual dictionaries involve two languages. The main entries are generally defined or explained in the same language with translation. Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary of Current English with Chinese Translation and Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English with Chinese Translation are good examples. Or rather the headwords are defined in another language or given their foreign equivalents. A New English-Chinese Dictionary is one case. Another kind of bilingual dictionary is A Chinese-English Dictionary (1995).

2. Linguistic and encyclopedic dictionaries 2. Linguistic and encyclopedic dictionaries Linguistic dictionaries aim at defining words and explaining their usages in the language. They usually cover such areas as spelling, pronunciation, meaning, grammatical function, usage and etymology, etc. These dictionaries can be monolingual and bilingual. Linguistic dictionaries aim at defining words and explaining their usages in the language. They usually cover such areas as spelling, pronunciation, meaning, grammatical function, usage and etymology, etc. These dictionaries can be monolingual and bilingual. Encyclopedic dictionaries can be further divided into encyclopedia and encyclopedic dictionaries. Encyclopedic dictionaries can be further divided into encyclopedia and encyclopedic dictionaries. An encyclopedia is not concerned with the language by itself but provides encyclopedic information concerning each head word. In such a dictionary, we cannot find pronunciation or meanings or usages but other information. The Encyclopedia Britannica in 20 volumes and The Encyclopedia Americana in 30 volumes are two examples. An encyclopedia is not concerned with the language by itself but provides encyclopedic information concerning each head word. In such a dictionary, we cannot find pronunciation or meanings or usages but other information. The Encyclopedia Britannica in 20 volumes and The Encyclopedia Americana in 30 volumes are two examples.

Encyclopedic dictionaries have the characteristics of both linguistic dictionaries and encyclopedia. In dictionaries of this sort, we cannot find the general information as in a linguistic dictionary and limited encyclopedic information as well. One example is Chamber's Encyclopedic English Dictionary (1994). Encyclopedic dictionaries have the characteristics of both linguistic dictionaries and encyclopedia. In dictionaries of this sort, we cannot find the general information as in a linguistic dictionary and limited encyclopedic information as well. One example is Chamber's Encyclopedic English Dictionary (1994).

3. Unabridged, desk and pocket dictionaries 3. Unabridged, desk and pocket dictionaries Unabridged dictionaries are unshortened ones. They provide a great quantity of basic information about a word: its origin, meaning, pronunciation, cognates, usage, grammatical function, spelling, hyphenation, capitalization, derived forms, synonyms, and homonyms. Many words that are listed in the dictionary are new, specialized or may have fallen out of use. So, each of them should be large in scope and size, containing at least 200,000 headwords. Webster's Third New International Dictionary is a fit example. Another example is The Word Book Dictionary. Unabridged dictionaries are unshortened ones. They provide a great quantity of basic information about a word: its origin, meaning, pronunciation, cognates, usage, grammatical function, spelling, hyphenation, capitalization, derived forms, synonyms, and homonyms. Many words that are listed in the dictionary are new, specialized or may have fallen out of use. So, each of them should be large in scope and size, containing at least 200,000 headwords. Webster's Third New International Dictionary is a fit example. Another example is The Word Book Dictionary.

Desk dictionaries are medium- sized ones containing words ranging from 50,000 to 150,000. As they are dictionaries that one finds most used on desks, they are called desk dictionaries. The Concise Oxford Dictionary, Ninth Edition (1996), Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary, 3rd Edition (1980), Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, New Edition (1987) and Collins COBUILD English Language Dictionary (1987), Webster's New World Dictionary, 2nd College Edition (1980), and Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary (1983) are examples. Desk dictionaries are medium- sized ones containing words ranging from 50,000 to 150,000. As they are dictionaries that one finds most used on desks, they are called desk dictionaries. The Concise Oxford Dictionary, Ninth Edition (1996), Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary, 3rd Edition (1980), Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, New Edition (1987) and Collins COBUILD English Language Dictionary (1987), Webster's New World Dictionary, 2nd College Edition (1980), and Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary (1983) are examples.

Pocket dictionaries provide only the spelling and pronunciation of each word with a few most common meanings. They contain only a few or no examples. Dictionaries of this kind have about 50,000 entries or fewer. They are inexpensive and easy to carry. Pocket dictionaries provide only the spelling and pronunciation of each word with a few most common meanings. They contain only a few or no examples. Dictionaries of this kind have about 50,000 entries or fewer. They are inexpensive and easy to carry. 4. Specialized dictionaries concentrate on a particular area of language or knowledge, treating such diverse topics as etymology, synonyms, idioms, pronunciation, usages in language, and computer, engineering, literature and a variety of other subjects. The Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology, Practical English Usage, Collins COBUILD English Usage, Longman Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs, Oxford Dictionary of Current Idiomatic English, Webster’s New Dictionary of Synonyms and Longman Lexicon of Contemporary English are good examples. 4. Specialized dictionaries concentrate on a particular area of language or knowledge, treating such diverse topics as etymology, synonyms, idioms, pronunciation, usages in language, and computer, engineering, literature and a variety of other subjects. The Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology, Practical English Usage, Collins COBUILD English Usage, Longman Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs, Oxford Dictionary of Current Idiomatic English, Webster’s New Dictionary of Synonyms and Longman Lexicon of Contemporary English are good examples.

10.2 Use of Dictionaries 10.2 Use of Dictionaries 1. Choice of Dictionaries 1. Choice of Dictionaries 1) Monolingual or bilingual dictionaries 1) Monolingual or bilingual dictionaries Choice of Monolingual or bilingual dictionaries is based on the linguistic level of the specific users. Choice of Monolingual or bilingual dictionaries is based on the linguistic level of the specific users. For beginners and elementary and lower-intermediate learners, a bilingual dictionary is essential as they do not know enough of the target language to understand fully a monolingual dictionary. They need to know the native equivalents to the words being learned. For beginners and elementary and lower-intermediate learners, a bilingual dictionary is essential as they do not know enough of the target language to understand fully a monolingual dictionary. They need to know the native equivalents to the words being learned. For the post intermediate and advanced learners, a monolingual dictionary is a must. This kind of dictionary provides information in one target language. It can give you the pure sense of English concepts and meanings. It cannot be misleading. For the post intermediate and advanced learners, a monolingual dictionary is a must. This kind of dictionary provides information in one target language. It can give you the pure sense of English concepts and meanings. It cannot be misleading.

2) General or specialized dictionaries 2) General or specialized dictionaries General dictionaries are meant for ordinary users for spelling, pronunciation, meaning, and grammar. We can find some encyclopedic information and etymological information, idioms, collocations, usages, etc. But all this is quite limited. General dictionaries are meant for ordinary users for spelling, pronunciation, meaning, and grammar. We can find some encyclopedic information and etymological information, idioms, collocations, usages, etc. But all this is quite limited. Specialized dictionaries concentrate on a particular area of language or knowledge, treating such diverse topics as etymology, synonyms, idioms, pronunciation, usages in language, and computer, engineering, literature and a variety of other subjects. Specialized dictionaries concentrate on a particular area of language or knowledge, treating such diverse topics as etymology, synonyms, idioms, pronunciation, usages in language, and computer, engineering, literature and a variety of other subjects.

3) British or American dictionaries 3) British or American dictionaries American dictionaries contain more encyclopedic information in the main body than the British, for example, names of famous people, places of historical interest and the like. American dictionaries contain more encyclopedic information in the main body than the British, for example, names of famous people, places of historical interest and the like. British dictionaries, especially learner's dictionaries, include more grammatical information. You can find British usages in an American dictionary. But you are advised to consult American dictionaries for American usages because chances are that such words are excluded from a general British dictionary. British dictionaries, especially learner's dictionaries, include more grammatical information. You can find British usages in an American dictionary. But you are advised to consult American dictionaries for American usages because chances are that such words are excluded from a general British dictionary.

4) Early or late dictionaries 4) Early or late dictionaries A latest dictionary is supposed to include the latest changes and developments in terms of new words and new meanings. To read modern literature of any discipline, a reader is sensible to use the latest edition of a dictionary. If one deals with material of a past age, it will be good to use a dictionary that marks the same time. A latest dictionary is supposed to include the latest changes and developments in terms of new words and new meanings. To read modern literature of any discipline, a reader is sensible to use the latest edition of a dictionary. If one deals with material of a past age, it will be good to use a dictionary that marks the same time. Of course, the best choice is always a contemporary dictionary. Of course, the best choice is always a contemporary dictionary.

2. Content of the Dictionary 2. Content of the Dictionary 1) Spelling: A dictionary gives the accepted spelling for all words, including any alternate spellings in bigger dictionaries with the standard first followed by their variants. 1) Spelling: A dictionary gives the accepted spelling for all words, including any alternate spellings in bigger dictionaries with the standard first followed by their variants. 2) Pronunciation: A dictionary offers standard pronunciation. British dictionaries generally use International Phonetic Alphabet, American ones employ Webster's systems. Whatever systems the editors use, there will be guides or pronunciation keys given before the main body of the dictionary or at the foot of the page. 2) Pronunciation: A dictionary offers standard pronunciation. British dictionaries generally use International Phonetic Alphabet, American ones employ Webster's systems. Whatever systems the editors use, there will be guides or pronunciation keys given before the main body of the dictionary or at the foot of the page.

3) Definition: The main body of a dictionary is its definitions of words. As most words are polysemantic, the senses of words are arranged in different ways. Some dictionaries list meanings chronologically, but most desk dictionaries probably arrange literal uses before figurative, general uses before special, common uses before rare, and easily understandable uses before difficult. 3) Definition: The main body of a dictionary is its definitions of words. As most words are polysemantic, the senses of words are arranged in different ways. Some dictionaries list meanings chronologically, but most desk dictionaries probably arrange literal uses before figurative, general uses before special, common uses before rare, and easily understandable uses before difficult. The approach to definition differs too from one to another. Generally, words are defined in phrasal explanations, synonyms, illustrative sentences, and even with pictures to make meanings clear; some definitions are given in full sentences; some dictionaries use a controlled vocabulary to make definitions easy to understand; most contemporary medium- sized dictionaries give context to illustrate the meaning and usage. The approach to definition differs too from one to another. Generally, words are defined in phrasal explanations, synonyms, illustrative sentences, and even with pictures to make meanings clear; some definitions are given in full sentences; some dictionaries use a controlled vocabulary to make definitions easy to understand; most contemporary medium- sized dictionaries give context to illustrate the meaning and usage.

4) Usage: Most desk dictionaries provide usage information such as 1) usage level: standard, substandard, non-standard, illiterate; 2) style: formal, informal, colloquial, slang, biblical, poetic; 3) currency: old- fashioned, archaic, obsolete: 4) register: law, chemistry, medicine, BrE, AmE; 5) coloring: appreciative, derogatory, euphemism, humour, pompous and others. 4) Usage: Most desk dictionaries provide usage information such as 1) usage level: standard, substandard, non-standard, illiterate; 2) style: formal, informal, colloquial, slang, biblical, poetic; 3) currency: old- fashioned, archaic, obsolete: 4) register: law, chemistry, medicine, BrE, AmE; 5) coloring: appreciative, derogatory, euphemism, humour, pompous and others. 5) Grammar: Besides word classes and inflections, dictionaries include various amounts of grammar information. 5) Grammar: Besides word classes and inflections, dictionaries include various amounts of grammar information.

6) Usage notes and language notes: Usage notes explain the slight differences between words of similar meanings; difficult points of grammar and style; important differences between BrE and AmE; pragmatic and suggestive use of words. 6) Usage notes and language notes: Usage notes explain the slight differences between words of similar meanings; difficult points of grammar and style; important differences between BrE and AmE; pragmatic and suggestive use of words. 7) Etymological information: Most American desk dictionaries and some British ones give information concerning the origins of words. A little knowledge of etymology may help deepen our understanding of the meanings of words. 7) Etymological information: Most American desk dictionaries and some British ones give information concerning the origins of words. A little knowledge of etymology may help deepen our understanding of the meanings of words. 8) Supplementary matter: Most dictionaries include the following information: abbreviations, names, weights and measures, irregular verbs, word-building elements, etc. 8) Supplementary matter: Most dictionaries include the following information: abbreviations, names, weights and measures, irregular verbs, word-building elements, etc.

3. Use of the Dictionary 3. Use of the Dictionary To use the dictionary to the full, we need to follow the following steps: To use the dictionary to the full, we need to follow the following steps: 1) Read the contents page to find out quickly what information is included in the dictionary because this page usually provides a detailed list of the content, including supplementary matter. 1) Read the contents page to find out quickly what information is included in the dictionary because this page usually provides a detailed list of the content, including supplementary matter. 2) Read the guide to the use of the dictionary, where the compilers explain in detail how to use the dictionary. 2) Read the guide to the use of the dictionary, where the compilers explain in detail how to use the dictionary. In short, dictionaries are reference books and helping tools. Their value and usefulness depend on the user rather than in themselves. To use them well one needs to get to know them well. In short, dictionaries are reference books and helping tools. Their value and usefulness depend on the user rather than in themselves. To use them well one needs to get to know them well.

10.3 Three Good General Dictionaries 10.3 Three Good General Dictionaries 1. Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English (LDCE) New Edition (1987) 1. Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English (LDCE) New Edition (1987) Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English was published first in 1978, and was radically revised in Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English was published first in 1978, and was radically revised in Compared with the old edition, this dictionary has the following features: Compared with the old edition, this dictionary has the following features: 1) Clear grammar codes: The new edition concentrates on three major classes of words, nouns, adjectives and verbs. 1) Clear grammar codes: The new edition concentrates on three major classes of words, nouns, adjectives and verbs. 2) Usage notes: Usage notes cover discrimination between synonyms, and near-synonyms, explain difficult grammar and stylistic points, differences between British and American usages, etc. 2) Usage notes: Usage notes cover discrimination between synonyms, and near-synonyms, explain difficult grammar and stylistic points, differences between British and American usages, etc.

3) Language notes: The new edition has enclosed 20 language notes, which are arranged alphabetically in the main body of the dictionary. They are special entries, each being an article discussing a special topic such as “apologies”, “collocations”, “idioms”, “requests” and “criticisms and praise”. 3) Language notes: The new edition has enclosed 20 language notes, which are arranged alphabetically in the main body of the dictionary. They are special entries, each being an article discussing a special topic such as “apologies”, “collocations”, “idioms”, “requests” and “criticisms and praise”. 4) The definitions are revised and updated. Much improvement is reflected in the arrangement of meanings. All these changes manifest current usages of the language, a significant move to keep abreast with the times. 4) The definitions are revised and updated. Much improvement is reflected in the arrangement of meanings. All these changes manifest current usages of the language, a significant move to keep abreast with the times.

2. Collins COBUILD English Language Dictionary (CCELD) (1987) 2. Collins COBUILD English Language Dictionary (CCELD) (1987) CCELD has its own features: CCELD has its own features: 1) Definition: the definitions in this dictionary are all in full sentences, the definition itself throws light on the grammatical use of the word in question; this dictionary contains more meanings and covers more information in comparison with some other dictionaries of the same scope; the order of meanings indicates the semantic changes of words. 1) Definition: the definitions in this dictionary are all in full sentences, the definition itself throws light on the grammatical use of the word in question; this dictionary contains more meanings and covers more information in comparison with some other dictionaries of the same scope; the order of meanings indicates the semantic changes of words.

2) Extra column: the compilers use an extra column to deal with grammar information alongside the definitions, where you can find part of speech, usage instructions, synonyms, antonyms, superordinates, verb patterns and so on. 2) Extra column: the compilers use an extra column to deal with grammar information alongside the definitions, where you can find part of speech, usage instructions, synonyms, antonyms, superordinates, verb patterns and so on. 3) Usage examples: almost every meaning of a word in this dictionary has an example to show its meaning and usage, most in sentence form. These examples are all selected from actual usage, not invented by compilers as in some other dictionaries. This gives the dictionary high degree of authority. 3) Usage examples: almost every meaning of a word in this dictionary has an example to show its meaning and usage, most in sentence form. These examples are all selected from actual usage, not invented by compilers as in some other dictionaries. This gives the dictionary high degree of authority.

3. A Chinese-English Dictionary (Revised Edition) (CED) (1995) 3. A Chinese-English Dictionary (Revised Edition) (CED) (1995) CED, compiled by the English Department, Beijing Foreign Studies University with Wu Jingrong as Editor-in- Chief was first published in It was revised and published in It has the following features: CED, compiled by the English Department, Beijing Foreign Studies University with Wu Jingrong as Editor-in- Chief was first published in It was revised and published in It has the following features: 1) The new edition has an addition of 800 single character entries and of 18,000 multi-character entries including catchphrases, sayings and proverbs. A large number of newly created words are included in this dictionary. 1) The new edition has an addition of 800 single character entries and of 18,000 multi-character entries including catchphrases, sayings and proverbs. A large number of newly created words are included in this dictionary. 2) The new edition revised some old entries. Some entries have new meanings added to them and some new examples. 2) The new edition revised some old entries. Some entries have new meanings added to them and some new examples.

3) The new edition keeps the previous alphabetical order of entries, which makes the dictionary easy to use. It changes the method of marking academic or subject areas and word classes. In the new edition, the marking was done in English. Besides, the compilers add the old complicated versions alongside some simplified versions of Chinese. 3) The new edition keeps the previous alphabetical order of entries, which makes the dictionary easy to use. It changes the method of marking academic or subject areas and word classes. In the new edition, the marking was done in English. Besides, the compilers add the old complicated versions alongside some simplified versions of Chinese. 4) The dictionary boasts of the quality of the English equivalents it provides for its Chinese items. 4) The dictionary boasts of the quality of the English equivalents it provides for its Chinese items.