Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (Cambridge University Press) R120
This dictionary is packed with new and interesting entries. For instance, it gives the meaning and pronunciation of numbers that are used as words, such as 3G and 911. In italics you also find examples of how these “words” should be used and the errors that learners frequently make when they use them. This could help them to avoid making those mistakes.
Another interesting feature of the Advanced Learners’ Dictionary is the blue headwords or catch words, which are further classified as “Essential” (E), “Improver” (I) or “Advanced” (A) words. Words marked with an E refer to “words” that everyone needs to know to communicate effectively.
An “I” next to the word indicates that it will improve your English fluency. When there is an “A” next to a word it refers to words “that will make your English really fluent and natural”. The definitions for “Essential”, “Improver” and “Advanced” words are based on those of the linguist Elizabeth Walter.
The dictionary has a study section with subsections on vocabulary and grammar. In the vocabulary section are words that relate to specific themes such as work and jobs, money, telephoning, computers, text messaging, emails and a lot more. The grammar section includes relative clauses, phrasal verbs, determiners, and modal verbs.
The dictionary provides guidelines on pronunciation. It pays special attention to homographs (words that are spelt the same, but have different meanings) and homophones (a word that is pronounced the same as another word, but differs in meaning). Homophones that are written in bold show that their sound is similar in the United Kingdom and in British English and also highlights areas of difficulty. A learner will pick these up in the dictionary and could therefore avoid common errors.
The dictionary provides guidelines for letter writing, punctuation and regular inflections (the way that the ending of a word changes when you use the word in different ways, for example, when words change from singular to plural, tenses).
And at the back there are word “families”. Geographical names are given for countries, regions, continents, seas and oceans. Their spelling is also provided. Irregular verbs, regular verb tenses, symbols, accents and mathematical symbols are included. Units of measurement and how to pronounce them are given.
There is an idiom finder at the back in alphabetical order. The words used to find the idiom are in blue and the page number is given next to the idiom.
Personally I believe the idiom finder is one of the most exciting parts of the dictionary. I would recommend that every language practitioner should get this dictionary, especially for this section.
Idioms enrich language and each language has its own idioms. If English is not your first language, you might find this part of the dictionary useful. It will help you to find the exact meaning. It also helps in translations.
The dictionary is suitable for grade seven to 12 learners. The focus on visual literacy makes it more user-friendly, especially for younger learners.
Learners in grade 10 upwards will find it particularly beneficial. And it is an invaluable resource for tertiary students. The dictionary is available in a CD-ROM format.
Bulelwa Lisa is a grade eight and 10 teacher at Qhinibhongo Secondary School in Alice in the Eastern Cape