How to Choose a Dictionary如何选择字典

陈延洲

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.

大部分人都用过字典。所有的字典都不尽相同。你要根据自己的需求来选择字典。你在选择之前，有以下几点需要考虑：

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属于哪个类型。在你开始寻找前，有几个基本要点必须先决定好：

◎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？

◎语言。你要找一本用英语来释义的英语字典吗？还是想找一本翻译字典，一本可以用你自己的母语查单词，又可以用来找到外语中对应单词的字典呢？

◎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，你随身带着的时候是放在口袋里、手提包里还是公文包里呢？或者就把它放在书桌、书架的某个地方？

◎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.

◎范围。你想要一本通用字典么？或者一本包含科技术语或与某个领域、专业相关的术语的字典？有些字典会详细解释与某个领域相关的词，比如音乐或法律。

◎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？

◎装订。你介意你的字典是精装本还是平装本吗？你喜欢书自己保持打开的状态么？或者说你介不介意在使用的时候让书页一直摊开呢？

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

◎印刷版或是数码版。印刷版字典不需要电就能用。从另一方面来说，要更新内容就只能再买一本新的。

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. 查找最新的词。语言中会一直出现新词。问问自己，你的字典包括最新的技术和计算机术语吗？

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

3. 查找专有名词。你的字典里收录了亚利桑那州相关词汇么？有没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页。有没有发音表？你能看懂并知道怎么运用这个表么？你必须照着发音表才会读，还是说你能猜对读音？如果用的是一本翻译字典，那它包括用法部分或常用手册部分吗？使用这本字典的时候，你会使用这些特别的部分么？

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. 看看该字典如何解释有多重意义的词语。这点对于一本翻译字典来说尤其重要。在英语中，单词“board”可以指一块木头，也可以指委员会。在其他大部分语言中，你需要一点指导来选择对应你的本意的正确翻译。

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录了短语和习语，并弄清楚字典是如何解释它们的。再次强调，这些短语和习语会因为地区的不同而变化，所以一定要注意其中有没有提到区域性的差异。endprint