Dictionaries versus AI Tools through the Eyes of English Majors

Abstract ChatGPT has stirred debates in lexicographic circles, raising questions about its future role in the work of lexicographers. Between October 2023 and June 2024, this study investigated the opinions of 225 Polish students of English, focusing on their use of ChatGPT alongside monolingual and bilingual lexical tools. Our results indicate that ChatGPT is generally regarded as an effective aid for writing and translation. In addition, many students also engage with it for inspiration, curiosity-driven exploration and entertainment. Despite these motivations, monolingual and bilingual dictionaries still remain their go-to resources in various linguistic scenarios. Popular bilingual tools among Polish learners include Google Translate, Diki.pl, and ChatGPT, with Cambridge Dictionary and Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary ranking as the dominant choices for monolingual use. While learners express reservations about AI tools, by voicing doubts about the dependability of their responses, they applaud their speed in generating answers. Furthermore, the study highlights the rising prevalence of smartphone devices among Polish students for dictionary access.