Application Of Eye-Tracking In Efl Learners' Dictionary Look-Up Process Research
Yukio Tono · International Journal of Lexicography · 2011
The present study aims to apply eye-tracking technologies to analyse the process of dictionary look-up by learners of English as a foreign language. An experiment was conducted to examine detailed processes of look-up in the microstructure. Several variables (the availability of supporting devices such as signposts or menus, different types of grammar codes, positions of target definitions) were carefully controlled to see how look-up behaviour would change in both monolingual and bilingual dictionary interfaces. The findings show that look-up processes within a microstructure are very complex, showing interactive effects among positions of target information within the microstructure, functions of supporting devices, and users’ proficiency levels. Pedagogical and methodological implications will be discussed.