Exploring English Monolingual Dictionary Use in Language Learning: A Case Study of Albanian High School Students

Dr. Alda Jashari

Abstract: English monolingual dictionaries remain underused tools among high school learners, despite their potential to foster vocabulary growth and learner autonomy. This study explores how Albanian students engage with these dictionaries, examining usage frequency, learning outcomes, and the obstacles they face. Through a questionnaire-based survey conducted across urban and rural schools, the study reveals a strong student preference for bilingual dictionaries due to familiarity and ease. However, those who utilize monolingual dictionaries exhibit richer vocabulary retention and higher linguistic confidence. Challenges such as lack of phonetic knowledge, unfamiliarity with dictionary structure, and low motivation limit effective use. These findings suggest that dictionary literacy needs to be addressed through targeted instruction and better resource accessibility. Overall, the study highlights the importance of embedding dictionary skills in language education to enhance independent learning and deeper language comprehension.

Keywords: monolingual dictionaries, vocabulary learning, Albanian learners, autonomous learning, EFL education

How to Cite?: Dr. Alda Jashari, "Exploring English Monolingual Dictionary Use in Language Learning: A Case Study of Albanian High School Students", Volume 14 Issue 7, July 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 811-819, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25710234853, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25710234853