DOI: 10.5176/2251-3566_L312147
Authors: Cheung Yin Ling and Germaine Seng Peilin
Abstract: This is the first research in Singapore that explores the relationship between the presence of synonyms in a dictionary entry and students' understanding of a word. It seeks to offer evidence to determine whether synonyms in a dictionary entry are helpful in contributing to a student's understanding a word, in terms of how students can apply it in a sentence. Also, this study aims to examine which criteria in choosing synonyms that will maximize students' understanding of a word. Experiments and interviews were conducted on students to seek answers to these research questions. Results showed that the presence of synonyms in a dictionary entry did contribute to a students' understanding of a vocabulary item, but only for vocabulary items that were of medium to high difficulty. It was also observed that simplicity of the synonym is the criteria in choosing synonyms that will maximize students' understanding of a word in terms of the words application. This study may help lexicographers better understand the significance and importance of synonyms through learning how students are affected by the presence of synonyms in a dictionary entry.
Keywords: synonyms; dictionary entry; understanding of a word
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