Learner’s dictionary from the perspective of the theory of lexicographic functions

Abstract

The theory of lexicographic functions is concerned with development of functional theory for the design, compilation, use, and evaluation of all types of dictionaries. Based on the theory, the learner’s dictionaries are clearly analyzed in both their typology and characteristics. In terms of typology, learner’s dictionaries are divided into bilingual and monolingual ones. In terms of characteristics, the different categories of learner’s dictionaries are taken into account: potential users (foreign language learners), users’ situations, users’ needs and assistance from dictionaries. The article aims to review the learner’s dictionaries in order to help learners use these dictionaries more reasonably and effectively. In addition, the article also shows the absence of learner’s dictionaries in general and dictionaries for learners of Vietnamese as a foreign language in particular in Vietnam.