L1 Signposts are Better for Sense Selection, Translation Accuracy, and Consultation Speed than L2 Signposts

Abstract This study reports on an experiment in which 111 learners completed an English-Polish translation task using purpose-built electronic dictionary entries equipped with signposts in either the learners’ mother tongue (L1) or in English (L2). Mixed-effects regression models were built to estimate the effects of a few predictors on the following outcome variables: accuracy of sense selection, accuracy of translation, and entry consultation time. The analysis shows that signpost language and vocabulary size had significant effects on the outcome variables. L1-signpost users consistently outperformed their English-signpost counterparts. Across all three measured criteria, participants with a larger vocabulary achieved significantly better scores than less competent users. The results show that there is a clear advantage to be gained by providing signposts in the user’s L1.