廣西自治區(qū)賀州高級中學 陳延洲 編譯

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(jù)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 definitions1in 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(yīng)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 specialize4in words pertaining5to 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(shù)語或與某個領(lǐng)域、專業(yè)相關(guān)的術(shù)語的字典？有些字典會詳細解釋與某個領(lǐng)域相關(guān)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(tài)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(shù)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(nèi)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(xiàn)新詞。問問自己，你的字典包括最新的技術(shù)和計算機術(shù)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(guān)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 features8that you will use when using this dictionary?

4.查下字典前后的正文附頁。有沒有發(fā)音表？你能看懂并知道怎么運用這個表么？你必須照著發(fā)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 handles9terms 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(yīng)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(diào)，這些短語和習語會因為地區(qū)的不同而變化，所以一定要注意其中有沒有提到區(qū)域性的差異。

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