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That's usually
difference between glossaries and dictionaries. Glossaries are lists of translations while dictionaries have definitions included.
4. Determine
language(s). Obviously this article is all about English Spanish dictionaries. However, you do need to ask yourself:
Do I need (or want)
dictionary to be a monolingual one or a bilingual one?
This may sound like a silly question at first but it's important to realize that there are a lot of specialized dictionaries that are written in only Spanish or only English.
Legal dictionaries are an excellent example of this. Because laws are different in different parts of
Spanish-speaking world, inividualized resource books have been written which explain
laws of that particular region. These will undoubtedly be different from other regions and will usually be monolingual (as opposed to an English Spanish dictionary).
It's important, then, to have a good library of reference materials in both languages because that will help you translate more effectively.
For me personally, I like to have both bilingual and monolingual dictionaries in order to cross-reference them with each other on meanings of words.
5. Determine
medium. Where do you do most of your translation work?
Do you like to work at your home office?
At
park?
In
library?
Outside by
pool?
In your bed?
The last thing you want to be doing is carting around every English Spanish dictionary you own wherever you go to work on your translations.
Thanks to this technology age, however, there are many options to choose from. Electronic Spanish English dictionaries, computer software, or even programs for your pda all will help you with your needs.
There are still plenty of books, too, if you like
feel of having a book in your hand while your doing your research.
