Journals / Dilbilim / 2025 / Sayı: 45

A Critical Evaluation of the Turkish Language Association Dictionaries: https://sozluk.tdk.gov.tr/

Journal
Dilbilim
Pages
44–57
Publication Date
2025-11-20
🏛️Bibliographic metadata and full text access for this article are provided via DergiPark.
DergiPark Record ↗
✨

AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

The findings necessitate validation through qualitative and quantitative studies involving diverse stakeholders, Turkish language learners to teachers and other dictionary users.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:Recent advances in computer and mobile technologies have manifested themselves in language education.
📊
Key Findings & Data:Employing Topal’s (2022) adapted framework, the study found that the platform has straightforward usability, with accessibility through computers and mobile devices without ads., the absence of advanced filtering options hinders an efficient user experience.
💡
Conclusion & Impact:The findings necessitate validation through qualitative and quantitative studies involving diverse stakeholders, Turkish language learners to teachers and other dictionary users.
🔬Design:Derleme
📍Scope:2022 Verileri
⚙️Variables:Dictionary · Turkish · lexicography

Abstract

Recent advances in computer and mobile technologies have manifested themselves in language education. One ramification has been the transition from printed to online dictionaries, expediting usage and consultation practices among language learners. The prominent position dictionaries hold in language education has been reciprocated in academia through lexicographic research. Despite numerous evaluation studies on dictionaries in other languages, none has critically evaluated the Turkish Language Association’s dictionaries website (https://sozluk.tdk.gov.tr/). Employing Topal’s (2022) adapted framework, the study found that the platform has straightforward usability, with accessibility through computers and mobile devices without ads., the absence of advanced filtering options hinders an efficient user experience. From a pedagogical perspective, content reliability and systematicity, enriched and authentic vocabulary material, and non-target learning prospects emerge as potential learning aids. Nevertheless, a lack of instructional interactions, customised learning tools, meagre contextual cues, and insufficient audio visual means impede maximising the learning gains from this set of dictionaries. The findings necessitate validation through qualitative and quantitative studies involving diverse stakeholders, Turkish language learners to teachers and other dictionary users.

🔖

Cite This Article

Topal, İ. H. (2025). A Critical Evaluation of the Turkish Language Association Dictionaries: https://sozluk.tdk.gov.tr/. Dilbilim, Sayı: 45, 44–57. https://doi.org/10.26650/jol.2025.1783808

📄 Full Text PDF Viewer

📄

PDF görüntüleyici hazırlanıyor...

References (71)

  1. Aktaş, Ö., Birant, Ç. C., Aksu, B., & Çebi, Y. (2013). Automated synonym dictionary generation tool for Turkish (ASDICT). bilig:Journal of Social Sciences of the Turkic World, 65(9), 47-68. https://bilig.yesevi.edu.tr/shw_artcl-1206.html google scholar
  2. Alameen, G., & Levis, J. M. (2015). Connected speech. In M. Reed & J.M. Levis (Eds.) The handbook of English pronunciation (pp. 159–74). Wiley Blackwell. google scholar
  3. Alarsan, F., & Khan, T. (2025). Multi-word expressions in Jordanian Arabic: A socio-pragmatic study of idioms and proverbs. International Journal of Language and Literary Studies, 7(3), 260-277. https://doi.org/10.36892/ijlls.v7i3.2151 google scholar
  4. Alharbi, M. A. (2016). Using different types of dictionaries for improving EFL reading comprehension and vocabulary learning. The JALT CALL Journal, 12(2), 123-149. https://doi.org/10.29140/jaltcall.v12n2.j204 google scholar
  5. Alkan, B. B., Karakus, L., & Direkci, B. (2023). Generating a sentiment dictionary in R and dictionary-based sentiment analysis in Turkish texts. Digital Scholarship in the Humanities, 38(2), 461-476. https://doi.org/10.1093/llc/fqac093 google scholar
  6. Argunşah, M. (2019). Türkçe Sözlük’te tanımlama ve tanıklama sorunları. TURUK International Language, Literature and Folklore Researches Journal, 7(16), 1-13. http://dx.doi.org/10.12992/TURUK644 google scholar
  7. Barın, E. (2004). Yabancılara Türkçe öğretiminde ilkeler. Hacettepe Üniversitesi Türkiyat Araştırmaları (HÜTAD), (1), 19-30. https:// dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/326575 google scholar
  8. Baskin, S., & Mumcu, M. (2018). Dictionary culture of university students learning English as a foreign language in Turkey. International Education Studies, 11(3), 101-114. https://doi.org/10.5539/ies.v11n3p101 google scholar
  9. Baxter, J. (1980). The dictionary and vocabulary behavior: A single word or a handful?. TESOL Quarterly, 14(3), 325-336. https://doi.org/ 10.2307/3586597 google scholar
  10. Bogaards, P. (1996). Dictionaries for learners of English. International Journal of Lexicography, 9(4), 277-320. https://doi.org/10.1093/ijl/ 9.4.277 google scholar
  11. Böler, T. (2006). Türkçe sözlük (TDK) ile örnekleriyle Türkçe sözlük’ü (MEB) karşılaştırma denemesi. The Journal of Social Sciences Research, 1(1), 101-118. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/801734 google scholar
  12. Boulton, A., & De Cock, S. (2017). Dictionaries as aids for language learning. In P. Hanks & G.M. de Schryver (Eds.), International handbook of modern lexis and lexicography (pp. 1-17). Springer. google scholar
  13. Çelik, M. (2020). Türkçe Sözlük'te yer alan tiyatro terimleri üzerine. Sanal Türkoloji Araştırmaları Dergisi, 5(4), 26-49. https://dergipark. org.tr/en/download/article-file/744684 google scholar
  14. Chotkarnchanawat, R., Liangpanit, C., & Wasuntarasophit, S. (2017). Graduate students’ reflections on the use of online dictionaries for writing a thesis. Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 13(2), 223–246. https://so03.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/eJHUSO/article/ view/107133/84780 google scholar
  15. Çolak, F., & Balaman, U. (2022). The use of online dictionaries in video-mediated L2 interactions for the social accomplishment of virtual exchange tasks. System, 106, 102772. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2022.102772, google scholar
  16. Delice, H. İ. (2024). “Güncel Türkçe sözlük” ile “Kubbealtı lugatı”nda kelime türleri bilgisinin kullanimi açisindan “güzel” kelimesi. Disiplinler Arası Dil Araştırmaları, 9(9), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.48147/dada.1525458 google scholar
  17. Derwing, T. M., & Munro, M. J. (2022). Pronunciation learning and teaching. In T. M. Derwing, M.J. Munro, & R.I. Thomson (Eds.), The Routledge handbook of second language acquisition and speaking (pp.147–159). Routledge. google scholar
  18. Dilenschneider, R. F. (2018). Examining the conditions of using an on-line dictionary to learn words and comprehend texts. ReCALL, 30(1), 4-23. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0958344017000234 google scholar
  19. Doğan, N. (2015). Türkçe Sözlük’te fiilsel eşdizimlilik. Gazi Türkiyat, 17, 67-84. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/1995813 google scholar
  20. Dziemianko, A. (2022). The usefulness of graphic illustrations in online dictionaries. ReCALL, 34(2), 218-234. https://doi.org/10.1017/ S0958344021000264 google scholar
  21. Eberhard, D. M., Simons, G. F., &Fennig, C. D. (2020.). Ethnologue: Languages of the world (23rd ed.). SIL International. google scholar
  22. Eraslan, E. (2022). “İstiklal Marşı” ndan Türkçe sözlük için katkılar. Uluslararası Türkçe Edebiyat Kültür Eğitim (TEKE) Dergisi, 11(1), 167-178. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/2317481 google scholar
  23. Ferrett, E., & Dollinger, S. (2021). Is digital always better? Comparing two English print dictionaries with their digital counterparts. International Journal of Lexicography, 34(1), 66–91. https://doi.org/10.1093/ijl/ecaa016 google scholar
  24. Frankenberg-Garcia, A. (2014). The use of corpus examples for language comprehension and production. ReCALL, 26(2), 128-146. https:// doi.org/10.1017/S0958344014000093 google scholar
  25. Frankenberg-Garcia, A. (2015). Dictionaries and encoding examples to support language production. International Journal of Lexicography, 28(4), 490-512. https://doi.org/10.1093/ijl/ecv013 google scholar
  26. Fuertes–Olivera, P. A. (2010). Specialised dictionaries for learners. Lexicographica. Series Maior 136. Walter de Gruyter. google scholar
  27. Geana, M. V., Cernusca, D., & Liu, P. (2024). Beyond the dawn of virtualized learning environments: A comparative study of video and augmented reality information delivery on student engagement and knowledge retention. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 40(2), 394-409. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12890 google scholar
  28. Gencer, D. K. (2018). TDK Türkçe sözlük’te eskimiş kullanım etiketi üzerine. Avrasya Uluslararası Araştırmalar Dergisi, 6(15), 232-240. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/621594 google scholar
  29. Günçavdı Alabay G., Çelik, Ç., & Polat, S. (2025). Creating positive and inclusive change in educational environments. IGI. google scholar
  30. Hubbard, P. (2011). Evaluation of courseware and websites. In L. Ducate & N. Arnold (Eds.), Present and future promises of CALL: From theory and research to new directions in foreign language teaching (pp. 407–440). CALICO. google scholar
  31. Jackson, H. (2017). English lexicography in the Internet era. In P. A. Fuertes-Olivera (ed.), The Routledge handbook of lexicography (pp. 540–553). Routledge. google scholar
  32. Jian, H. L., Sandnes, F. E., Law, K. M., Huang, Y. P., & Huang, Y. M. (2009). The role of electronic pocket dictionaries as an English learning tool among Chinese students. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 25(6), 503–514. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2729.2009.00325.x google scholar
  33. Jin, L., & Deifell, E. (2013). Foreign language learners’ use and perception of online dictionaries: A survey study. MERLOT Journal of Online Learning and Teaching, 9(4), 515–533. https://jolt.merlot.org/vol9no4/jin_1213.pdf google scholar
  34. Johanson, L. (2010). Turkic language contacts. In R. Hickey (Ed.) The handbook of language contact (pp. 652-672). Wiley-Blackwell. google scholar
  35. Kaçalin, M. S. (2021). Safahat'tan Türkçe Sözlük'e Katkılar. Dil ve Edebiyat Araştırmaları, (Mehmet Akif ve İstiklal Marşı), (Özel Sayı), 27-39. https://doi.org/10.30767/diledeara.1048634 google scholar
  36. Kaur, B., Chaudhary, A., Bano, S., Yashmita, Reddy, S. R. N., & Anand, R. (2024). Fostering inclusivity through effective communication: Real-time sign language to speech conversion system for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Multimedia Tools and Applications, 83(15), 45859-45880. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11042-023-17372-9 google scholar
  37. Kim, S. (2018). EFL learners’ dictionary consultation behaviour during the revision process to correct collocation errors. International Journal of Lexicography, 31(3), 312-326. https://doi.org/10.1093/ijl/ecx009 google scholar
  38. Kohnke, L., & Moorhouse, B. L. (2022). ‘There’s an app for that!’ Writing technology reviews for academic journals. RELC Journal, 53(1), 261-265. https://doi.org/10.1177/0033688220945419 google scholar
  39. Kosem, I., Lew, R., Müller-Spitzer, C., Ribeiro Silveira, M., Wolfer, S., Dorn, A., … & Nesi, H. (2019). The image of the monolingual dictionary across Europe. Results of the European survey of dictionary use and culture. International Journal of Lexicography, 32(1), 92-114. https://doi.org/10.1093/ijl/ecy022 google scholar
  40. Kramsch, C. (2014). Language and culture. AILA Review, 27(1), 30-55. https://doi.org/10.1075/aila.27.02kra google scholar
  41. Levy, M. (2010). Developing the language skills: Aligning the technological tool to the pedagogical purpose. In C. Ward (Ed.), The impact of technology on language learning and teaching: What, how, and why (pp. 16–27). Regional Language Centre. google scholar
  42. Levy, M., & Steel, C. (2015). Language learner perspectives on the functionality and use of electronic language dictionaries. ReCALL, 27(2), 177-196. https://doi.org/10.1017/S095834401400038X google scholar
  43. Lew, R., & De Schryver, G. M. (2014). Dictionary users in the digital revolution. International Journal of Lexicography, 27(4), 341-359. https://doi.org/10.1093/ijl/ecu011 google scholar
  44. Liu, D. (2024). The effects of segmentation on cognitive load, vocabulary learning and retention, and reading comprehension in a multimedia learning environment. BMC Psychology, 12(1), 4. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-023-01489-5 google scholar
  45. Loucky, J. P. (2011). Comparing electronic dictionary functions and use. CALICO Journal, 28(1), 156-174. http://dx.doi.org/10.11139/cj.28.1. 156-174 google scholar
  46. Mohamad, M., Rashid, N., & Mohamad, W. N. W. (2017). The advantages and disadvantages of e-dictionaries to enhance vocabulary learning of ESL learners. In N. Ward & A. Nagoya (Eds.), The Asian conference on education and international development (ACEID) 2017 proceedings (pp. 315-325). IAFOR. google scholar
  47. Nesi, H. (2014). Dictionary use by English language learners. Language Teaching, 47(1), 38-55. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0261444813000402 google scholar
  48. Nguyen, B. T. T. (2025). Using online tools to help students elevate lexical range in English-as-a-foreign-language writing. RELC Journal, 56(2), 446-456. https://doi.org/10.1177/00336882231217528 google scholar
  49. O’Neill, E. M. (2019). Training students to use online translators and dictionaries: The impact on second language writing scores. International Journal of Research Studies in Language Learning, 8(2), 47–65. http://dx.doi.org/10.5861/ijrsll.2019.4002 google scholar
  50. Prinsloo, D. J., Bothma, T. J., Heid, U., & Prinsloo, D. J. (2017). Direct user guidance in e-dictionaries for text production and text reception-the verbal relative in sepedi as a case study. Lexikos, 27(1), 403-426. https://doi.org/10.5788/27-1-1408 google scholar
  51. Rahimi, M., & Miri, S. S. (2014). The impact of mobile dictionary use on language learning. Procedia Social and Behavioral Sciences, 98, 1469–1474. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.03.567 google scholar
  52. Rezaei, M., & Davoudi, M. (2016). The influence of electronic dictionaries on vocabulary knowledge extension. Journal of Education and Learning, 5(3), 139–148. http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/jel. v5n3p139 google scholar
  53. Storonska, O., Palytsya, H., Syvyk, O., & Hrytsiv, V. (2024). Online German language learning tools: a case study of student insights into dictionary use. Cadernos de Educação Tecnologia e Sociedade, 17(4), 1310-1323. https://doi.org/10.14571/brajets.v17.n4.1310-1323 google scholar
  54. Summers, D. (1988). The role of dictionaries in language learning. In R. Carter & M. McCarthy (Eds.), Vocabulary and language teaching (pp. 111–125). Routledge. google scholar
  55. Sun, J. C. Y., & Hsieh, P. H. (2018). Application of a gamified interactive response system to enhance the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, student engagement, and attention of English learners. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 21(3), 104-116. https://doi. org/10.30191/ETS.201807_21(3).0011 google scholar
  56. Tall, G., & Hurman, J. (2000). Using a dictionary in a written French examination: The students' experience. Language Learning Journal, 21(1), 50-56. https://doi.org/10.1080/09571730085200111 google scholar
  57. Tarp, S. (2012). Online dictionaries: today and tomorrow. Lexicographica, 28(2012), 253–268. https://doi.org/10.1515/lexi.2012-0013 google scholar
  58. Teng, M. F. (2023). The effectiveness of multimedia input on vocabulary learning and retention. Innovation in Language Learning and Teaching, 17(3), 738-754. https://doi.org/10.1080/17501229.2022.2131791 google scholar
  59. Topal, I. H. (2022). A review of Tureng: The multilingual dictionary. Journal of Research in Techno-Based Language Education, 2(3), 16-30. https://doi.org/10.22034/jrtle.2022.346927.1029 google scholar
  60. Topal, I. H. (2023a). Online etymology dictionary: A Review of https://www. etymonline. com. Technology in Language Teaching & Learning, 5(2), 91-101. https://doi.org/10.29140/tltl.v5n2.1157 google scholar
  61. Topal, I. H. (2023c). YouGlish as a pronunciation resource: Voices from Turkish EFL learners. i-Manager's Journal of Educational Technology, 20(3), 7-14. https://doi.org/10.26634/jet.20.3.20071 google scholar
  62. Topal, I. H. (2024). A thesaurus in focus: A media review of https://www. thesaurus. com. Technology in Language Teaching & Learning, 6(4), 2125. https://doi.org/10.29140/tltl.v6n4.2125 google scholar
  63. Topal, İ.H. (2023b). SpanishDict: A tribute to learners of Spanish from curiosity media. World Journal on Educational Technology, 15(3), 321-329. https://doi.org/10.18844/wjet.v15i3.9076 google scholar Trinh, T. L. A., Tran, T. K. N., Vo, T. B. N., & Huynh, T. T. S. (2021). The difference effects of paper dictionaries vs. online dictionaries. AsiaCALL Online Journal, 12(3), 28–38. https://asiacall.info/acoj/index.php/journal/article/view/34/27 google scholar
  64. Tulgar, A. T. (2017). Dictionary use of undergraduate students in foreign language departments in Turkey at present. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 5(n12B), 51-57. http://dx.doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2017.051406 google scholar
  65. Usta, H. İ. (2006). Türkçe sözlük hazirlamada yöntem sorunları. Ankara Üniversitesi Dil ve Tarih-Coğrafya Fakültesi Dergisi, 46(1), 223-242. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/2153362 google scholar
  66. Van der Merwe, M. F. (2020). Scaffolding for content knowledge of home language learning by collaborative online dictionaries. Per Linguam: aA Journal of Language Learning= Per Linguam: Tydskrif vir Taalaanleer, 36(1), 1–14. http://dx.doi.org/10.5785/36-1-893 google scholar
  67. Winkler, B. (2001). English learners’ dictionaries on CD-ROM as reference and language learning tools. ReCALL, 13(2), 191–205. https:// doi.org/10.1017/S0958344001000520a google scholar
  68. Xia, Y., Shin, S. Y., & Shin, K. S. (2024). Designing personalized learning paths for foreign language acquisition using big data: Theoretical and empirical analysis. Applied Sciences, 14(20), 9506. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14209506 google scholar
  69. Yastı, M. (2023). Hüseyin Rahmi Gürpınar’ın eserlerinden Türkçe sözlük’e katkılar. RumeliDE Dil ve Edebiyat Araştırmaları Dergisi, (33), 276-308. https://doi.org/10.29000/rumelide.1279085 google scholar
  70. Yeni, E. B. (2025). Türkçe sözlük’ten Türkçe sözlük’e katkilar. MANAS Sosyal Araştırmalar Dergisi, 14(1), 22-37. https://doi.org/10.33206/ mjss.1437088 google scholar Yıldız, Ü. (2013). The need for a department of teaching Turkish as a foreign language: A proposal. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 70, 1839-1846. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2013.01.261 google scholar
  71. Çolak, F., & Balaman, U. (2022). The use of online dictionaries in video-mediated L2 interactions for the social accomplishment of virtual exchange tasks. System, 106, 102772. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2022.102772, google scholar