摘要
This paper illustrates the language-learning-supporting features of a monolingual English learner's dictionary, the Macmillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners ( 2002 ) , a product of " a learner-based philosophy. " It gives a detailed mapping of the user-friendliness of the dictionary in question and points out that MEDAL is helpful to learners of English mainly because it answers both their decoding and encoding needs. To further explore the potential of a good learner's dictionary, the current author also discusses the role of an English teacher in helping his/her students to make better use of the dictionary, and consequently ensures the supportiveness of MEDAL in the language learning process.