[LAW Document 72 Hours] Dictionary Reading
Dictionary reading refers to the act of reading a dictionary for pleasure, which can help improve your vocabulary and lead to new discoveries.
Dictionaries have a charm that makes them enjoyable as reading material, such as the words surrounding the one you looked up, or special feature pages that are not just about definitions.
The benefits of dictionary reading include the following:
1. Since definitions vary by dictionary, it is interesting to compare multiple dictionaries.
2. You do not need to read from the beginning; you can start from any page you like.
3. It is easy to keep up by reading just one page a day, making it suitable even for those who are not fond of books.
4. It is said that reading just one page can provide as much vocabulary as reading a whole novel.
When choosing a dictionary, you might want to pay attention to the following points:
- Some are famous for their unique definitions, with ironic phrasing that might make you chuckle.
- Some are highly practical dictionaries that actively incorporate new words.
- Some are very helpful, such as those that include a separate appendix on common misusages.
- Some are rich in examples from great writers and authors, using sentences quoted from modern literature, songs, and poetry.
In this day and age, if you come across a word you don't know, you can easily solve it with the internet.
Both systems follow the process of
"Look up -> Get an answer"
but with a dictionary, you can also see the words around the one you looked up, and you can gain knowledge from little feature pages that are not just about words.
When you read a dictionary in that way, it is quite interesting; not only do you learn new words, but the way you see words you thought you knew changes, and you can discover the differences between synonyms that you had only grasped by nuance.
When creating a dictionary, the first thing they do is
"Example Collection"
which is the gathering of words.
From the overflowing sea of words, we pick them up one by one and think of an explanation for each.
These explanations are called
“definitions.”
That is what we call them.
For these
“definitions,”
there are no set rules.
In other words, the explanation for a word changes depending on the interpretation of the person creating it.
This is where the joy of dictionary reading lies.
▶ Recommendations for Dictionary Reading
【Fun】Definitions vary by dictionary
【Ease】You can start reading from anywhere
【Sustainability】A one-page habit before bed or upon waking
【Accessibility】Just reading a little at a time is fine
【Collection】Enjoying updates
As you read through a dictionary, the thoughts and feelings of the people in this film come across, and you feel an indescribable charm.
You feel an indescribable charm.
Why not enjoy an endless journey through words while savoring the feel of turning pages and the sound of paper rustling?
▶ 8 Recommended Dictionaries
Shinmeikai Kokugo Jiten / Sanseido
Sanseido Kokugo Jiten / Sanseido
Sanseido Gendai Shin Kokugo Jiten / Sanseido
Teniwoha Rensa Hyogen Jiten / Sanseido
Iwanami Kokugo Jiten / Iwanami Shoten
Meikyo Kokugo Jiten / Taishukan Shoten
Shogakukan Nihongo Shin Jiten / Shogakukan
Shincho Gendai Kokugo Jiten / Shinchosha