| Abstract: |
The graphical user interfaces (GUIs) of contemporary electronic dictionaries keep to the old tradition of two windows: (1) a dynamically searchable macrostructural wordlist on the left, and (2) a static microstructural entry panel on the right. Other boxes, menus, frames and flashcards are just embellishments of this fundamental standard interface scheme. Pronunciation in particular is graphically represented in but one century-old method: as a phonetic transcription field appearing (or not) right after the entry headword. In this paper argue for the application to the representation of EFL electronic dictionary pronunciation of the new Java- and Flash-enabled animated GUIs based on concept-mapping techniques, recently proposed for database querying by various authors. The benefits to learners include: (a) improved customizability, (b) explicit mapping of phonetic processes, relations and groupings (homophony, allophony, similarity, minimal-pairs, assimilations, deletions, L1 substitutions, etc.), (c) direct intuitive manipulability enhancing retention, (d) potential for incidental data-driven learning and serendipity, and others. |