Lookups as an e-reading resource for vocabulary learning: Readers’ experiences with complexified text

In this small-scale qualitative investigation, we explored second language readers’ use of an e-reading programme wherein readers primarily focus on meaning-making. We further examined learners’ reflections on their use of the programme. Four English as a foreign language adult learners (L1 Arabic) read a text for comprehension with the help of Calibre, an open-source e-reading software. We found that while participants did make use of the lookup tool, the use was infrequent; participants also differed in the ways in which the tool was used. Lack of familiarity with the tool was also found to discourage learners from looking up words, often leading participants to guess meaning from context and skipping unknown words.