On research into dictionary use
Abstract
On an international scale a considerable amount of research on dictionary use has already been done; not so in Brazil, however. In terms of results, some trends can be observed, but many questions remain open. In this article, I distinguish between research into the users´ ideas and attitudes on the one hand, and research into the effects of dictionary use on the other. I draw attention to the necessity of making clear what exactly is being studied, differentiating between user types, dictionary types and situations of use. After giving a brief account of the most comprehensive research project ever done (described by Atkins & Varantola, 1998) and after some observations about methods, I show what has been published in this field in Brazil.
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