‘TO BE OR NOT TO BE’: PAPER DICTIONARIES IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Back to Page Authors: Nasrin Altuwairesh

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Keywords: translation trainee, dictionary use, electronic dictionary, paper dictionary, translation pedagogy

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Abstract: The focus of most studies on the uses and attitudes of dictionary users has been on foreign and second language learners, with seldom attention paid to translation trainees. Given that a dictionary is an indispensable tool used by translators, research in this regard is crucial to uncover the translator trainees’ uses of and attitudes towards different forms of dictionaries. Research in this area will thus inform translation pedagogy. This study aims at uncovering the uses and attitudes of Saudi undergraduate female translation trainees towards the different forms of dictionaries available for them today. Results indicate that the participants prefer using electronic dictionaries, rather than paper ones, due to their convenience, comprehensiveness, portability and being up-to-date. The study also reveals the participants’ uses of a variety of dictionaries, both paper and electronic ones.

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