The Effect of Defining Model on the Accuracy of Syntactic Class Identification in When-Definitions in Digital Dictionaries
Abstract
The aim of the present contribution is to identify the best variant of the single-clause when-definition in online monolingual English dictionary entries. The study uses manipulated online dictionary entries and a balanced experimental design on a large sample of advanced learners of English to assess the success of syntactic class identification in three sub-types of the single-clause when-definition. Syntactic class identification was measured by examining the syntactic class of the Polish translations of the target headwords supplied by participants in the experimental task. Significant differences are found between all three defining models, with the most effective being a model using the personal pronoun (you), the least effective being definitions using the indefinite pronoun (someone), and a defining model using a noun phrase (a person) resulting in intermediate scores. The article concludes with practical recommendations for digital lexicography for learners of English that follow from our findings.
Keywords
Full Text:
PDFReferences
Baayen, R. H., Davidson, D. J., & Bates, D. M. (2008). Mixed-effects modeling with crossed random effects for subjects and items. Journal of Memory and Language, 59(4), 390–412.
Bates, D., Mächler, M., Bolker, B., & Walker, S. (2015). Fitting linear mixed-effects models using lme4. Journal of Statistical Software, 67(1), 1–48. https://doi.org/10.18637/jss.v067.i01
Cowie, A. P. (1999). English dictionaries for foreign learners: A history. Clarendon Press.
Duyck, W., Desmet, T., Verbeke, L. P. C., & Brysbaert, M. (2004). WordGen: A tool for word selection and nonword generation in Dutch, English, German, and French. Behavior Research Methods, Instruments, & Computers, 36(3), 488–499. https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03195595
Dziemianko, A. (2012). Noun and verb codes in English monolingual dictionaries for foreign learners: A study of usefulness in the Polish context. Wydawnictwo Naukowe UAM. http://hdl.handle.net/10593/6567
Dziemianko, A. (2017). Dictionary form in decoding, encoding and retention: Further insights. ReCALL, 29(3), 335–356. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0958344017000131
Dziemianko, A. (2019). The role of online dictionary advertisements in language reception, production, and retention. ReCALL, 31(01), 5–22. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0958344018000149
Dziemianko, A. (2022). The usefulness of graphic illustrations in online dictionaries. ReCALL, 34(2), 218–234. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0958344021000264
Dziemianko, A., & Lew, R. (2006). When you are explaining the meaning of a word: The effect of abstract noun definition format on syntactic class identification. In E. Corino, C. Marello, & C. Onesti (Eds.), Atti del XII Congresso di Lessicografia, Torino, 6-9 settembre 2006 (Vol. 2, pp. 857–863). Edizioni dell’Orso.
http://www.euralex.org/elx_proceedings/Euralex2006/108_2006_V2_Anna%20DZIEMIANKO,%20Robert%20LEW_When%20you%20are%20Explaining%20the%20Meaning%20of%20a%20Word_The%20Effect%20.pdf
Dziemianko, A., & Lew, R. (2013). When-definitions revisited. International Journal of Lexicography, 26(2), 154–175. https://doi.org/10.1093/ijl/ect006
Fabiszewski-Jaworski, M., & Grochocka, M. (2010). Folk defining strategies vs. Comprehension of dictionary definitions: An empirical study. In I. Kernerman & P. Bogaards (Eds.), English Learners’ Dictionaries at the DSNA 2009 (pp. 89–105). K Dictionaries.
Frankenberg-Garcia, A. (2014). The use of corpus examples for language comprehension and production. ReCALL, 26(2), 128–146. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0958344014000093
Hanks, P. (1987). Definitions and explanations. In J. Sinclair (Ed.), Looking up: An account of the COBUILD project in lexical computing (pp. 116–136). Collins.
Hanks, P. (2013). Lexical analysis: Norms and exploitations. The MIT Press.
Levy, M., & Steel, C. (2015). Language learner perspectives on the functionality and use of electronic language dictionaries. ReCALL, 27, 177–196.
Lew, R., & de Schryver, G.-M. (2014). Dictionary Users in the Digital Revolution. International Journal of Lexicography, 27(4), 341–359. https://doi.org/10.1093/ijl/ecu011
Lew, R., & Dziemianko, A. (2006a). A New Type of Folk-inspired Definition in English Monolingual Learners’ Dictionaries and its Usefulness for Conveying Syntactic Information. International Journal of Lexicography, 19(3), 225–242. https://doi.org/10.1093/ijl/ecl011
Lew, R., & Dziemianko, A. (2006b). Non-standard dictionary definitions: What they cannot tell native speakers of Polish. Cadernos de Traduçao, 18, 275–294.
Lyons, J. (1977). Semantics. Cambridge University Press.
Osselton, N. E. (2007). Innovation and Continuity in English Learners’ Dictionaries: The Single-clause When-definition. International Journal of Lexicography, 20(4), 393–399. https://doi.org/10.1093/ijl/ecm034
Piotrowski, T. (1989). Monolingual and bilingual dictionaries: Fundamental differences. In M. L. Tickoo (Ed.), Learners’ dictionaries: State of the art (pp. 72–83). SEAMEO Regional Language Centre. http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED342250.pdf
Ptasznik, B. (2021). Single-clause when-defining models in English monolingual pedagogical dictionaries. International Journal of Lexicography, 34(1), 112–134. https://doi.org/10.1093/ijl/ecaa021
R Core Team. (2023). R: A Language and Environment for Statistical Computing [Computer software]. R Foundation for Statistical Computing. https://www.R-project.org
Rundell, M. (2015). From Print to Digital: Implications for Dictionary Policy and Lexicographic Conventions. Lexikos, 25, 301–322. https://doi.org/10.5788/25-1-1301
Sinclair, J. (1987a). Collins COBUILD English Dictionary for Advanced Learners. Collins.
Sinclair, J. (1987b). Looking up: An account of the COBUILD project in lexical computing. Collins.
Summers, D. (2003). Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English. In LDOCE4 (4th ed.). Longman.
Tsai, K.-J. (2019). Corpora and dictionaries as learning aids: Inductive versus deductive approaches to constructing vocabulary knowledge. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 32(8), 805–826. https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2018.1527366
Walter, E. (2005). Cambridge Advanced Learners’ Dictionary. In CALD2 (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
Zuur, A. F., Ieno, E. N., Walker, N. J., Saveliev, A. A., & Smith, G. M. (2009). Introduction. In A. F. Zuur, E. N. Ieno, N. Walker, A. A. Saveliev, & G. M. Smith, Mixed effects models and extensions in ecology with R (pp. 1–10). Springer New York. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-87458-6_1
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17576/gema-2024-2403-02
Refbacks
- There are currently no refbacks.
eISSN : 2550-2131
ISSN : 1675-8021