A.S. Hornby Dictionary Research Awards (ASHDRA)
Each year we fund innovative research into Lexicography and dictionary use in ELT
What we do
We support innovative research into areas of lexicography and dictionary use which will build on the pioneering contributions of A.S. Hornby within the field of English language education. Each year we fund original research that aims to produce clear practical benefits for learners of English.
We give priority to new lines of enquiry which cannot be pursued without ASHDRA funding.
ASHDRA can offer funds of up to a total of £15,000. Grants can be either for a single project or shared between smaller initiatives. Previous awards have ranged from less than £1000 up to the maximum amount of £15,000.
ASHDRA awardees get the opportunity to talk about their research in presentations at the major dictionary conferences. More about these conferences here.
The application process opens in February each year.
2024 award recipients
- Prof Alexander Black – Universidad de la Cañada (UNCA)
Zap Attack, an interactive, oral dictionary using augmented reality technology operating in English and Zapotec languages
- Prof Ulrike Zeshan – University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN)
Bimodal-bilingual function word dictionary for English grammar games with deaf sign language users in India
2023 award recipient
- Dai Lingzhen – Minnan Normal University
Improving dictionary skills of teacher Trainees for less resourced areas of China
2022 award recipients
- Dr Lorna Morris – African Association for lexicography (Afrilex)
A pocket electronic bilingualised school dictionary for primary school learners in South Africa
- Dr Priya Mathew – Centre for Academic Writing, Middle East College
A Bilingual Corpus-Based Physics Dictionary for L1 Arabic Undergraduates
Reports on completed ASHDRA projects
Country: Greece
Lead researcher: Thomai Dalpanagioti
Country: Hong Kong, China
Lead researcher: Amy Chi Man Lai
Country: Australia/Vietnam
Lead researcher: Chinh Ngan Nguyen Le
Country: United Kingdom
Lead researcher: Yan Yan Yeung
Country: Indonesia
Lead researcher: Agus Riadi
Country: Northern Ireland
Lead researcher: Aisling O’Boyle
Country: Spain
Lead researcher: Janine Knight