I used to object buying a digital dictionary for my kid with the reason that the dictionary may not provide an accurate word for different situations. I could be too cost-conscious then or anti-gadget in terms of providing a tool to aid Hoe when he was a young.
Well, somehow my perception changes. After being in the education field for a few years, I notice almost 100% of kids from the national type school owns a digital dictionary. I also realise that at primary level, this kind of dictionary is a very handy tool to help students improve their vocabulary of other languages, Malay and English. Of course, the traditional book dictionary undoubtedly still serves its purpose. But, in terms of popularity, speed and convenience, the digital gadget certainly is more superior.
Unless my understanding is incorrect, the conventional dictionary uses 'bu sou' (root word) to search for a chinese character. When I was learning how to use Mandarin to sms, I got to know that hanyi pinyin is used. So, for a digital gadget, I believe hanyi pinyin is to be used to search for a word.
I think using hanyi pinyin is an easier way than using the former. What if the student does not know the 'bu sou'? Most of the time, they know how to pronounce or say the word but do not know the stroke of the chinese character.
Recognising this plus-point, I am now open to buying one for Wyng. I just don't want him to be lazy or give up when he encounter certain characters which he doesn't understand or when he needs to construct sentences but does not know how to write them. On top of that, Mom can also make use of the digital dictionary for use in her teaching.
Perhaps, if a second-hand one is available for a reasonable price, Mom will definitely not think twice to buy.
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