by Lime Red Tetrahedron

Created on: December 13, 2008   Last Updated: February 13, 2012

As language use diversifies in our rapidly globalizing world, we begin to require tools that we can use to ensure proper communication takes place. Free online dictionaries fill this need perfectly. These tomes of knowledge are not only freely accessible, but convenient and free to use. My personal favorite is a website named "wordreference.com". It provides a consistent interface that allows for efficient and dynamic translation, and searches a database of over 100,000 words and phrases. It is also perfect for students who are studying a second language; friends, family and teachers will marvel at your advanced use of words.

To begin using wordreference, you must first choose a language. Click on the radio button next to the language you would like to translate into. Next, type a word in your language that you would like to be translated. Finally, click search. If your word was found, then you are finished! If not, here are some possible reasons that your word may not have been found:

First of all, long phrases are often not abundant in searchable online dictionaries. Translating longer phrases may not yield any results. As well, be sure that any verbs being searched are in their non-conjugated form (the infinitive). If this fails, do not give up! Try variations of the word, or even try translating some synonyms! Persistence makes perfect. As well, try other dictionaries. The Internet is great because of its tremendous diversity; use this to your advantage. Have a backup plan ready for the time that your favorite dictionary does not deliver.

I would advise against complete translation tools, such as Google's Translate feature. Such tools often do not follow the grammar guidelines of the language that you are translating. As a result, many phrases can become corrupted. To see this in action, type a simple phrase, then translate it back and forth between two languages. You can watch it as it deteriorates. This can be quite fun.

Finally, there is no alternative path to success. To truly gain mastery of another language, one must learn its subtleties and intricacies. By their very nature, complete translation tools inhibit the learning process that is necessary to gain competence. Even if only superficially, one who must interact with a foreign tongue should learn the basics of its grammar. For this task, I recommend About.com's many language-learning areas. This website, along with a diverse array of other content, delivers beginner, intermediate, and advanced materials on language learning. Along with the online translation dictionary, a learner with such materials is on the sure path to success.

The most valuable tool to the language learner or enthusiast is the online translation dictionary. Free-of-charge learning resources, such as WordReference, allow the Internet to truly be "where knowledge rules."

WordReference can be found at: http://www.wordreference.com/

Google Translate can be found at: http://www.google.com/translate_t

About.com can be found at: http://www.about.com/

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