Tips on Buying A Dictionary
If you visit France, look in a French bookshop for a big French-English dictionary, better still one which translates both ways. However, if you can afford it, buy the two volume version if that gives you more words in total.
I was in a shopping mall in Brent Cross, London, for an Apple lesson, and found two or three in the large branch of W H Smith. Other good places to look would be the large bookshops such as Foyles, Waterstones, Gaunt in Marylebone, Borders, and Times bookshop and Kinokunia the Japanese bookshop in Singapore. Plus, of course, Amazon and Ebay which sell new and secondhand books.
Bulk and Weight
Assuming you have the strength to lift the one volume version, and the space to store it on the bookshelf or desk.
If you are in England, go into a big bookshop and look for the biggest dictionary you can see. You should find two or three at varying prices. Pick a word or phrase and check how it is translated in each of the dictionaries.
Print Size
You may wish to pick a dictionary with smaller print and more words. Or a dictionary with bigger print and fewer words. Or buy the dictionary with smaller print and buy a full page magnifier and keep it stored beside the dictionary.
Alphabet
A large dictionary sometimes has the letters of the alphabet down the sides. This is very useful.
Extra Information: Introductions
Also look at the introduction and endings. Some dictionaries list verbs, new words, proper names, Geographical names, foreign words, all kinds of useful information.
Book Cover Protection
You might wish to cover the dictionary to prolong its life and keep it looking pristine for your own pleasure and in case you wish to sell it or give it to somebody else later.
Angela Lansbury BA Hons
Author, photojournalist, caricaturist, translator, speaker
If you visit France, look in a French bookshop for a big French-English dictionary, better still one which translates both ways. However, if you can afford it, buy the two volume version if that gives you more words in total.
I was in a shopping mall in Brent Cross, London, for an Apple lesson, and found two or three in the large branch of W H Smith. Other good places to look would be the large bookshops such as Foyles, Waterstones, Gaunt in Marylebone, Borders, and Times bookshop and Kinokunia the Japanese bookshop in Singapore. Plus, of course, Amazon and Ebay which sell new and secondhand books.
Bulk and Weight
Assuming you have the strength to lift the one volume version, and the space to store it on the bookshelf or desk.
If you are in England, go into a big bookshop and look for the biggest dictionary you can see. You should find two or three at varying prices. Pick a word or phrase and check how it is translated in each of the dictionaries.
Print Size
You may wish to pick a dictionary with smaller print and more words. Or a dictionary with bigger print and fewer words. Or buy the dictionary with smaller print and buy a full page magnifier and keep it stored beside the dictionary.
Alphabet
A large dictionary sometimes has the letters of the alphabet down the sides. This is very useful.
Extra Information: Introductions
Also look at the introduction and endings. Some dictionaries list verbs, new words, proper names, Geographical names, foreign words, all kinds of useful information.
Book Cover Protection
You might wish to cover the dictionary to prolong its life and keep it looking pristine for your own pleasure and in case you wish to sell it or give it to somebody else later.
Angela Lansbury BA Hons
Author, photojournalist, caricaturist, translator, speaker
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