Research article    |    Open Access
International Journal of Language and Education Research 2025, Vol. 7(3) 250-271

Evaluation of a Visual-Supported Digital Dictionary for A1-Level Teaching of Turkish as a Foreign Language Based on Teachers’ Views

Sena Atmaca, Fatih Kana

pp. 250 - 271

Publish Date: December 31, 2025  |   Single/Total View: 0/0   |   Single/Total Download: 0/0


Abstract

The aim of the current study is to evaluate the perspectives of teachers concerning a digitally-supported and visually-supported Turkish A1-Level Dictionary for students of Turkish as a foreign language. Vocabulary knowledge at the beginning stages of second or foreign language acquisition has been identified as a critical component to the successful progression of the learner's language acquisition process; particularly when the learner's beginning vocabulary knowledge is restricted. As the interest in the utilization of digital materials that provide visual support to the teaching-learning process continues to grow in educational research, there has been increasing interest in these materials as a tool to enhance vocabulary knowledge acquisition. This study used a qualitative approach to examine the perspectives of six teachers who are experienced in teaching Turkish as a foreign language and are currently instructing at the A1 level. The data collection methods included semi-structured teacher interviews, observational data and comments from the teachers' written feedback and were analyzed using thematic analysis. The dictionary was created to be a tool that would present the words (and their definitions), with accompanying images, pronunciation and example sentences, as a whole unit. The results of the study indicated that the teachers had positive views of the dictionary concerning its usability, accessibility, and functional value to the classroom. Many of the participants emphasized that the visual representation of vocabulary facilitated the vocabulary learning process, while others noted limitations in the dictionary including alignment of visuals to the correct word, clarity regarding which words were selected, and the extent of the dictionary's use. In general, the results suggest the potential benefits of utilizing a visually-supported digital dictionary in the instruction of Turkish as a foreign language at the A1 Level.

Keywords: Digital dictionary, A1 level Turkish learning, visual support, user experience, language learning motivation.


How to Cite this Article?

APA 7th edition
Atmaca, S., & Kana, F. (2025). Evaluation of a Visual-Supported Digital Dictionary for A1-Level Teaching of Turkish as a Foreign Language Based on Teachers’ Views. International Journal of Language and Education Research, 7(3), 250-271.

Harvard
Atmaca, S. and Kana, F. (2025). Evaluation of a Visual-Supported Digital Dictionary for A1-Level Teaching of Turkish as a Foreign Language Based on Teachers’ Views. International Journal of Language and Education Research, 7(3), pp. 250-271.

Chicago 16th edition
Atmaca, Sena and Fatih Kana (2025). "Evaluation of a Visual-Supported Digital Dictionary for A1-Level Teaching of Turkish as a Foreign Language Based on Teachers’ Views". International Journal of Language and Education Research 7 (3):250-271.

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