How to Choose a Dictionary如何選擇字典

陳延洲

Most people have used a dictionary of some sort. All dictionaries are not created equal. The dictionary you should choose depends on your needs. Here are some things to consider before you choose a dictionary.

大部分人都用過字典。所有的字典都不盡相同。你要根據自己的需求來選擇字典。你在選擇之前，有以下幾點需要考慮：

1. Know what general sort of dictionary you need. Here are the basics you should decide before you begin looking：

1. 了解你所需的字典大概是屬于哪個類型。在你開始尋找前，有幾個基本要點必須先決定好：

◎Languages. Are you looking for a dictionary in English， with definitions1 in English？ Are you looking for a translating dictionary， a book that will allow you to look up words in your language and find words in another language？

◎語言。你要找一本用英語來釋義的英語字典嗎？還是想找一本翻譯字典，一本可以用你自己的母語查單詞，又可以用來找到外語中對應單詞的字典呢？

◎Size. For print dictionaries， will you be carrying this dictionary with you in a pocket， purse， or briefcase or will it remain on a desk or bookshelf somewhere？

◎大小。對于印刷版字典，你隨身帶著的時候是放在口袋里、手提包里還是公文包里呢？或者就把它放在書桌、書架的某個地方？

◎Scope2. Do you want a general dictionary？ Do you want a dictionary that includes technical terms or terms relating to a particular field or specialty3？ Some dictionaries specialize4 in words pertaining5 to certain subjects， such as music or law.

◎范圍。你想要一本通用字典么？或者一本包含科技術語或與某個領域、專業相關的術語的字典？有些字典會詳細解釋與某個領域相關的詞，比如音樂或法律。

◎Binding6. Do you care if your dictionary is hardcover or paperback？ Do you prefer a book that will stay open by itself， or do you mind holding the pages open while you use it？

◎裝訂。你介意你的字典是精裝本還是平裝本嗎？你喜歡書自己保持打開的狀態么？或者說你介不介意在使用的時候讓書頁一直攤開呢？

◎Print or digital format7. Printed dictionaries require no electricity to operate. On the other hand， they are updated only by purchasing a new one.

◎印刷版或是數碼版。印刷版字典不需要電就能用。從另一方面來說，要更新內容就只能再買一本新的。

2. Look for newer words. New words enter the language all the time. Ask yourself， does the dictionary include current technology and computer terms？

2. 查找最新的詞。語言中會一直出現新詞。問問自己，你的字典包括最新的技術和計算機術語嗎？

3. Look for proper nouns. Does the dictionary mention Arizona？ Does it mention important people？

3. 查找專有名詞。你的字典里收錄了亞利桑那州相關詞匯么？有沒有提到任何重要人物呢？

4. Examine the reference matter at the front and back. Does it have a pronunciation key？ Do you understand it and know how to use it？ Did you have to read the pronunciation key， or could you make a pretty good guess？ If it is a translating dictionary， does it include a usage section or a phrasebook section？ Are these features8 that you will use when using this dictionary？

4. 查下字典前后的正文附頁。有沒有發音表？你能看懂并知道怎么運用這個表么？你必須照著發音表才會讀，還是說你能猜對讀音？如果用的是一本翻譯字典，那它包括用法部分或常用手冊部分嗎？使用這本字典的時候，你會使用這些特別的部分么？

5. Find out how the dictionary handles9 terms with multiple meanings. This is very important in a translating dictionary. In English， word “board” can mean a piece of wood， and it can mean a committee. In most other languages， you will need a bit of guidance to choose the correct translation according to your meaning.

5. 看看該字典如何解釋有多重意義的詞語。這點對于一本翻譯字典來說尤其重要。在英語中，單詞“board”可以指一塊木頭，也可以指委員會。在其他大部分語言中，你需要一點指導來選擇對應你的本意的正確翻譯。

6. Notice whether the dictionary includes phrases and idioms and see how it handles them. Again， these can change between regions， so be sure to note if regional differences are mentioned.

6. 注意所用的字典是否收錄了短語和習語，并弄清楚字典是如何解釋它們的。再次強調，這些短語和習語會因為地區的不同而變化，所以一定要注意其中有沒有提到區域性的差異。endprint