Dictionary Proficiency And Usage Among Stam Students In Arabic Language Learning

Nuraznan Jaafar, Mohd Zahimie Mohd Dzahid, Fahmi Fisol

Abstract


This study aims to identify the level of dictionary proficiency and usage among Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM) students in the context of Arabic language learning. A strong command of vocabulary constitutes a fundamental element in understanding Arabic texts, particularly complex turath texts; therefore, the use of dictionaries is regarded as an important learning strategy. This study employed a quantitative survey design involving 81 students from three Government-Aided Religious Schools (SABK). The research instrument was a questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale, encompassing constructs of dictionary proficiency and usage. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, namely mean and standard deviation. The findings indicate that the level of dictionary proficiency is high, with a mean value of 4.0309 (SD = 0.48021), while the level of dictionary usage is also high, with a mean value of 4.0401 (SD = 0.44937). Item-level analysis shows that students demonstrate a good ability to understand dictionary content and actively use dictionaries in various learning situations, particularly in comprehending texts and completing tasks. However, several weaknesses were identified in understanding symbols and abbreviations in dictionaries. Overall, this study demonstrates that dictionary proficiency and usage play a significant role as self-directed learning strategies among STAM students. The findings suggest that dictionary skills training should be strengthened in Arabic language instruction, and greater exposure to various types of dictionaries, including digital dictionaries, should be enhanced to improve learning effectiveness.

 


Keywords


Dictionary; Proficiency; Arabic Vocabulary; Print and Digital Dictionaries

References


Abdullah, N., Samsudin, S., Abd. Rahman, L., Zainal Arifin, A. N., & Hambali, M. A. (2023). Analysis of students’ needs regarding the use of technology in understanding the translation of kinayah in the Qur’an into the Malay language. e-Journal of Research and Innovation, 10(2).

Aboghunaim, N. M. (2019). The effect of monolingual and bilingual dictionary on foreign language learners' acquisition. International Journal of Applied Linguistics and Translation, 5(4).

Adamska-Sałaciak, A., & Kernerman, I. (2016). Introduction: Towards better dictionaries for learners. International Journal of Lexicography, 29(3), 271–278.

Ahmad Asyraf Mat Ali, Mohd Sabri, M. N., Abdul Rahman, M. H., Mohamad, N. K., & Yazid, M. S. (2017). Patterns of dictionary use in the process of learning the Arabic language: A survey of students at the Centre for Tamhidi Studies, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia. Al-Qanatir: International Journal of Islamic Studies.

Anida Nasuka, Siti Nuur Roihan Saidin. (2013). Strengths and Weaknesses of Bilingual Dictionaries in Assisting Translators. ICLALIS 2013, Elsevier Ltd. 364-372.

Bensoussan, M., Sim, D., & Weiss, R. (1984). The effect of dictionary usage on EFL test performance compared with student and teacher attitudes and expectations. Reading in a Foreign Language, 2(2), 262–276.

Chang, Y.-H. (2026). Strategic use of digital dictionaries in L2 reading: A multimodal analysis of eye-tracking, lookup logs, and learner awareness. System, 137, 103934.

Chen, M. (2025). A case study on use frequency and perceived usefulness of vocabulary learning strategies used by Chinese EFL learners. Frontiers in Education, 10, 1687516. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1687516

Farizah Hashim, & Mohd Rusli, N. F. (2024). Analysis of homonym ambiguity in Malay Language textbooks for Year Five students in national schools based on cognitive semantic theory. International Journal of Education, Psychology and Counselling.

Hakimi Abdul Halim, Harun Baharudin. (2025). Strategies for Using Arabic Dictionaries Among Students at the Matriculation Centre, Universiti Islam Selangor. Asian Journal of Research in Education and Social Sciences, e-ISSN: 2682-8502 , Vol. 7, No. 2, 349-356. DOI:10.55057/ajress.2025.7.2.33.

Haryati Yaacob. (2020). Use of Dictionaries in Arabic Language Learning Among Students Taking the Arabic Communication Subject. Journal of the Malaysian Translators Association, pp. 63–84. Malaysian Translators Association, Kuala Lumpur.

Huda, M., & Mulyadi, D. (2020). The Use of Dictionaries in Learning Arabic as a Second Language. Journal of Arabic Language Education, 4(2), 45–60.

Ilham, R. N. (2023). Utilization of Arabic–Indonesian digital dictionaries as a learning resource at SMP IT Ibnu Khaldun. Journal of Education Research, 4(4), 1927–1937. https://doi.org/10.37985/jer.v4i4.632.

Knežević, L., Halupka-Rešetar, S., Miškeljin, I., & Milić, M. (2021). Millennials as dictionary users: A study of dictionary use habits of Serbian EFL students. SAGE Open, 11(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440211008422

Laufer, B., & Hill, M. (2000). What lexical information do L2 learners select in a CALL dictionary and how does it affect word retention? Language Learning & Technology, 3(2), 58–76.

Laufer, B., & Kimmel, M. (1997). Bilingualised dictionaries: How learners really use them. System, 25(3), 361–369.

Lew, R. (2015). Research into the use of online dictionaries. International Journal of Lexicography, 28(2), 232–253.

Nasimah Abdullah, Saifullah Samsudin, Lubna Abd. Rahman, Ahmad Nazeer Zainal Arifin, Muh. Hambali. (2023). Analysis of Students’ needs Regarding The Use of Technology in Understanding The Translation of Qur’anic kinayah into the Malay Language. e-Journal of Research and Innovation, Universiti Islam Selangor, Malaysia.

Nation, I. S. P. (2001). Learning Vocabulary in Another Language. Cambridge University Press.

Nesi, H. (1999). The Specification of Dictionary Reference Skills in Higher Education. In R. Hartmann (Ed.), Teaching and Research in Lexicography (pp. 53–65). Longman.

Nik Yusoff, N. M. R., Baharudin, H., & Mahamod, Z. (2019). The level of Arabic Reading Skills Among Secondary Religious School Students. Journal of Malaysian Education, 44(1), 1–10.

Nurul Aminah Basharuddin, Hasnah Mohamad. (2015). Dictionaries and Their Role in Increasing Children’s Interest in Language Learning. International Journal of the Malay World and Civilisation (Iman) 3 (1), 79-89.

Oxford, R. L. (1990). Language Learning Strategies: What Every Teacher Should Know. Heinle & Heinle.

Petrylaitė, R., Vaškelienė, D., & Vėžytė, T. (2008). Changing skills of dictionary use. Studies about Languages, 12, 77–82.

Rahmat, Y. N., Saputra, A., Hakim, M. A. R., Saputra, E., & Serasi, R. (2021). Learning L2 by utilizing dictionary strategies: Learner autonomy and learning strategies. Lingua Cultura, 15(2), 175–181. https://doi.org/10.21512/lc.v15i2.7339.

Roesnita Ismail, & Zainab, A. N. (2013). The Pattern Of e-book use Amongst Undergraduates in Malaysia: A case of to know is to use. Malaysian Journal of Library & Information Science.

Rosni Samah. (2012). Methods of Arabic Vocabulary Acquisition Among Students. GEMA Online Journal of Language Studies, 12(1), 1–15.

Schmitt, N. (2000). Vocabulary in language teaching. Cambridge University Press.

Scholfield, P. (1982). Using the English dictionary for comprehension. TESOL Quarterly, 16(2), 185–194.

Suriani Sudi, Wazir, R., Yama, P., Ramli, F. Z., Mohd Zin, S. M., Khair, N. S., Mustafa, N. M., & Jamaluddin, M. A. N. (2023). The Existence Of Hadith Terminology Dictionary Applications On Digital Networks: A Review. Jurnal HADIS, 14(28).

Suryani, N. (2021). Strategies For Learning Arabic Vocabulary Among Students. Jurnal Al-Ta’lim., 28(1), 67–78.

Wan Moharani Mohammad, Muhamad Nur, B. M., Ismail, R., Yusof, N., Mat Shaid, N., & Jusoh, A. A. (2005). Difficulties Faced By Students In Interacting With Arabic Dictionaries (Al-Ma‘Ājim Al-‘Arabiyyah) And Ways To Overcome Them: A Study At Public Higher Education Institutions. Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia.

Wang, X. (2025). The hidden pitfalls of e-dictionaries: How inaccuracies affect Chinese language users. Lexicography: Journal of ASIALEX, 12(2). https://doi.org/10.3138/lexi-2025-0009




DOI: https://doi.org/10.18860/ijazarabi.v9i4.42285

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2026 Nuraznan Jaafar, Mohd Zahimie Mohd Dzahid, Fahmi Fisol

License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/