The Raison D’être Of Kiswahili Online Dictionaries as Supplementary Tools for Pronunciation and Vocabulary Development: Challenges and Perspectives

This study examines the utility of Kiswahili Online Dictionaries (KODs) as supplementary tools for pronunciation and vocabulary development, with a focus on challenges and user perspectives. Data from a survey of Kiswahili learners and KODs users, particularly non-native speakers (NNLs), reveal that while KODs play a significant role in vocabulary acquisition, their effectiveness in pronunciation practice remains limited. Only 36.21% of respondents use KODs for pronunciation, with many citing poor sound quality and inaccurate pronunciation guides as key challenges. Conversely, 72% of users find ODs highly effective for vocabulary learning, especially for technical and specialised terms. However, gaps in contextual examples and user interface issues were noted, with respondents highlighting difficulties in navigation and access. Additionally, technical challenges such as slow loading times and broken links further hinder the use of ODs. The study suggests that improvements in pronunciation features, contextualised vocabulary examples, and interactive tools would enhance the overall effectiveness of Kiswahili ODs, making them more valuable resources for language learners.