Aspects of Foreign Language Vocabulary Acquisition
200M047 H. K.
1. INTRODUCTION
Vocabulary is one of the most important factors for foreign language learners. Recent research estimates that the vocabulary knowledge of native speakers is around 20000 words. To acquire such a large amount of vocabulary, what can the FL learners do?
2. PROCESS OF VOCABULARY ACQUISITION
The process of vocabulary acquisition is discussed in terms of language development, and mental lexicon of both L1 and L2. What is the difference in the process of vocabulary acquisition between native speakers and foreign language learners? What is the difference in mental lexicon between native speakers and FL learners? How can we make receptive vocabulary more productive?
3. VOCABULARY LEARNING
We will make a clear distinction in intentional and incidental vocabulary learnings, and we will discuss some of the strategies for vocabulary acquisition in the classroom. Strategies such as keyword method, semantic clusters, related words, antonyms, affixes, multi-word unit, semantic mapping and communicative activities are discussed.
4. VOCABULARY AND READING
The relationship between vocabulary and reading is described. In particular, Incidental and intentional vocabulary acquisition through reading, simplified text, learning new words from the context, and the effectiveness of glossary, dictionary use and definition are discussed.
5. VOCABULARY ACQUISITION IN THE CLASSROOM
I had experiments on vocabulary acquisition using the various strategies, such as keyword method, rote repetition, using affixes, semantic clusters, semantic mappings. And guessing from context in reading and communicative activities were done with the ALT as team-teaching lessons.
6. CONCLUSION
Teachers need to lead foreign language learners to the stage of an actual 'use' of the vocabulary in a variety of the context which is situationally appropriate by choosing a strategy appropriate for the learners.