The Practicality of Google Dictionary for Vocabulary Retention among EFL Undergraduate Students

The present study has been designed to investigate the practicality of Google Dictionary which is part of online dictionaries provided by technology today for vocabulary retention of EFL undergraduate students. Compared to the traditional dictionary (paper-based dictionary), the use of Google Dictionary is much more practical which is easier and faster to search the meaning of unfamiliar words. Hence, to see whether the Google Dictionary is practical for vocabulary retention as well, this study attempts to compare both types of dictionary in helping students to retain new vocabulary. The study employs the post-test only control group design, in which two groups studying ‘Vocabulary and Pronunciation I’, one in traditional setting that used Paper Dictionary (control group) and the other (experimental) used Google Dictionary to find the ten target words meaning. The participants were 55 English language learners whose native language is Indonesian language. They were asked to use the dictionary to finish the reading task and then were asked to answer the vocabulary tests immediately after the reading and also one week later or delaayed test. The results indicate that althought the Google Dictionary group quickly finish the reading task because of its practicality, it is not effective to help students to retain new vocabulary. On the other hand, spending more time working with Paper Dictionary seems to help students retain target words better. Therefore, the practicality function of Google Dictionary is not applicable when it comes to help participants in this study for vocabulary retention.