Choosing a Foreign Language Dictionary
There is a lot of choice these days in what are called bilingual dictionaries. They have two sections to them, for example, French to English and English to French. They come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes, and it could take you a while to choose.
One thing to remember is that dictionaries go out of date very quickly. Our languages are changing all the time. Always look carefully at the date of publication. Try to think of a new word and see whether the dictionary contains the word.
Many publishers are now producing bi-lingual dictionaries on CDs. You can install them on your computer. If you intend to do a lot of writing on your computer, these are excellent. Some even provide a spell-checker in the target language. However, if working with an 'inflected' language, i.e. a language which conveys meaning by putting endings on words, such as German, the computer will often not recognise the ending, and so the spell-check is not much use.
One great advantage of CD dictionaries is that it is often possible to down-load up-dates, so you can really keep your dictionary current. One great disadvantage is that they won't slip into a back pocket or a handbag.
Size is important. If the dictionary is too small, after a few months it won't be much use to you. If you don't know the word, it won't be in the dictionary anyway. If it is too big, it will take a long time to use. A good smaller one is the so-called school dictionary. It is adequate up to that all-important level of operational competence. They tend to be quite robust, because they are designed to be kept in school classrooms and used by up to 30 adolescents a day, and they will fit comfortably into a briefcase or a large handbag. If in addition you want something for when you're travelling light and doing the town or the shops, a conventional phrase book is your best bet. That really will fit into a back pocket.
Before you buy your dictionary, look at the print. So you do need to go to a shop. If the shop doesn't have the size you want, you can always buy via the internet later. The print must be of a size and clarity with which you feel comfortable.
And then . . . You must learn how to use your dictionary effectively.
