The rise of online dictionaries has brought fundamental changes to dictionary typography. Using a multimodal communicative approach, this study aims to explore the current use of typography in online English learner’s dictionaries in light of the transition from typography for print to typography for digital display. The approach and the analytical framework were developed on the basis of theories of multimodality, dictionary communication and typographic studies. Sample entry pages for the word panda, as well as the ‘Word of the Day’ sections in the ‘Big Five’ online English learner’s dictionaries, have been used for case analyses. Typographic features were mainly identified using Whatfont, an extension of Google Chrome. Following a two-step procedure of identification and explanation, this study summarised the main features of the typography used in online English learner’s dictionaries, considering the consistency of typefaces, a certain degree of variation, the use of colour, and the deployment of space. As an important mode for making meaning in dictionary communication, typography has representational, structural, interpersonal, and aesthetic functions. These functions show different dimensions of the communicative potential of dictionary typography.

中文翻译：

---

在线英语学习词典排版分析的多模态交际方法

在线词典的兴起给词典排版带来了根本性的变化。本研究采用多模态交流方法，旨在探讨当前在线英语学习者词典中排版的使用情况，以应对从印刷排版到数字显示排版的过渡。该方法和分析框架是在多模态、字典通信和印刷研究的理论基础上开发的。单词 panda 的示例输入页面，以及“Big Five”在线英语学习者词典中的“Word of the Day”部分，已被用于案例分析。排版特征主要使用 Google Chrome 的扩展 Whatfont 来识别。经过识别和解释的两步程序，本研究总结了在线英语学习词典中使用的排版的主要特点，考虑了字体的一致性、一定程度的变化、颜色的使用和空间的部署。排版作为词典交际中重要的意义建构方式，具有表现性、结构性、人际性和审美性等功能。这些功能显示了字典排版的交际潜力的不同维度。