Can I add another dictionary to search words when using iBooks?
iPad 2, iOS 4.3.2
According to the iBooks FAQ:
"Yes, iBooks allows you to look up the definition of words using a built-in English or Japanese language dictionary." That suggests that it does not yet support other dictionaries.
Giori wrote:
Can I add another dictionary to search words when using iBooks?
No, there is no way to do that yet.
GRrrr. It should be easy to allow access...the French have a French dictionary...why can't the rest of us? It might be another money maker for Apple.
alfromjacksonville wrote:
.the French have a French dictionary...
What makes you think that? Can you provide a reference? iOS is the same no matter where it is sold and as far as I know nobody has anything more than the English and Japanese dictionaries currently provided by Apple.
I find it difficult to believe that when a Frenchman uses his ipad to read French books that the only dictionary he can call up is either English or Japonese? That would strongly limit its usefulness to school children for one thing and call to mind that the application is not responsive to other cultures. Are you so sure that the French, for example, have no ibooks connection to a French dictionary? I know a few Germans I can ask to check this out...but my comment is clearly useful...if we read other language books, we should have access to dictionaries in those languages. Agree or disagree?
alfromjacksonville wrote:
Are you so sure that the French, for example, have no ibooks connection to a French dictionary?
Yes. Do check it out though.
The full OS X on all Mac's has had the same dictionary for many years and there has never been anything other than English and Japanese. But in the full OS X, unlike iOS, you are able to add others if you want.
It would be nice to have dictionaries for all the 30+ languages supported by iOS, but I can understand how it might be difficult/expensive for Apple to license the rights to provide all of those to millions of users from the publishers.
PS To ask Apple to add more dictionaries or expand user ability to modify iOS, you can go here:
I am trying to get in touch with a German relative to pose the question I have asked...I have already sent an "enhancement" comment to Apple, but cannot believe they would answer it. - unless to provide a link that says exactly what you have already stated. I can see a potential monetary windfall though to Apple if it were to happen...I already have paid about $20 each for a German and a Franch dictionary...I'd do it again if it were to have the ease of use the iBooks has with the English dictionary. I'd like to see Stanza do it as well.
Thanks for responding Tom.
Many people use other ereaders for iOS (like Kindle, Nook, Kobo, or Googlebooks) to take advantage of the greater ebook selection from other stores, and these apps may have different dictionaries. I notice that the Kindle app says it now has "Instant dictionary word lookup in German-language books using the Duden Deutsches Universalwörterbuch".
For anyone interested, my iPhone, purchased in Germany and running in German, has no German dictionary when I use iBooks. I really wish Apple would have done something about this by now.
dt.g wrote:
my iPhone, purchased in Germany and running in German, has no German dictionary when I use iBooks.
The dictionary provided with all OS X and iOS devices no matter where they are sold is the same. It has only English and Japanese. It has been the same since 2005. In OS X, the user can add 3rd party modules, but iOS does not yet allow user modifications.
Just found out the other day, December 2011, that the Kindle for iPad app has downloadable French and German dictionaries for use with their French and German editions. Tap and hold a word and it will at first ask you if you want the dictionary. Downloaded quickly and works likes like a champ. iBooks has something to,learn. Maybe that's one of the reasons was voted most consumer friendly.
Has iBooks other dictionaries than English?
