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Dictionaries

by Momomomomo, April 12, 2009

Messages: 9

Language: English

Momomomomo (User's profile) April 12, 2009, 1:14:15 PM

I am looking for an esperanto-english dictionary, using amazon and don't know how to pick one. Do you have any recommendations? So far I have come across Comprehensive English-Esperanto Dictionary by Peter J. Benson, rather expensive (but worth it?). The Edinburgh Esperanto Pocket Dictionary, which has very little information available. Esperanto-English dictionary by Montagu C Butler. Esperanto-English Dictionary (Teach Yourself) by J.C. Wells, does teach yourself mean that it is a teaching tool not a dictionary? Any advice would be welcome.

Amike, Mo

ceigered (User's profile) April 12, 2009, 3:43:31 PM

I have an English-Esperanto-English dictionary given to me by a good friend which I feel suffices and is suitable enough for a basic-to-medium level learner, at the moment it is ridiculously late and I am away from home so I can't remember nor find out the name of this dictionary that I have, but once I get home I will post the name here - ultimately, it's a blue and white dictionary, I believe it is British in origin and it is quite small in size. If anyone has any clue about what I'm on about please feel free to give the name of the dictionary - like I said, it is ridiculously late and I can barely think (I'm on here trying to wind-down for the night).

RiotNrrd (User's profile) April 12, 2009, 4:08:47 PM

I have the Benson dictionary (CEED), and use it all the time. However, it is "one way" - English to Esperanto, and not the other way around.

The CEED gets some knocks because of the number of neologisms that Benson includes, and I have found a few minor errors here and there. But overall it is very useful and I recommend it.

Momomomomo (User's profile) April 12, 2009, 10:40:09 PM

Thanks for all the help so far, if CEED is only one way AND the most expensive by far then that's out. I definatly want one that goes both ways.

Miland (User's profile) April 12, 2009, 10:53:47 PM

In my opinion Wells is the best for beginners (and many others too), if you can get hold of it.

erinja (User's profile) April 13, 2009, 1:57:25 AM

The blue and white dictionary sounds like the one by McLinen. "Pocket Esperanto Dictionary", right?

But buy the Wells dictionary. Other dictionaries have their pluses and minuses, but to me, you should only consider them if the Wells is unavailable. The Wells dictionary has a grammar guide in the front that was indispensable to me as a beginner; few other dictionaries have this feature.

ceigered (User's profile) April 13, 2009, 9:39:12 AM

erinja:The blue and white dictionary sounds like the one by McLinen. "Pocket Esperanto Dictionary", right?
Yes that would be it, sorry about my vague description - also, I was under the mpression it was British but I accidentally confused the acronym 'EAB' with 'UEA'.

Thanks for that Erinja!

Momomomomo (User's profile) April 13, 2009, 9:50:28 AM

Thanks a lot of all the advice, I've ordered a copy of Wells.

andogigi (User's profile) April 17, 2009, 7:13:57 PM

www.freelang.net has a passable EO (and other languages) dictionary which is downloadable and free.

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