Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-p9bg8 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-28T11:44:49.744Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

7. RESEARCH IN TEACHING VOCABULARY

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 June 2004

John Read
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

This review surveys research on second language vocabulary teaching and learning since 1999. It first considers the distinction between incidental and intentional vocabulary learning. Although learners certainly acquire word knowledge incidentally while engaged in various language learning activities, more direct and systematic study of vocabulary is also required. There is a discussion of how word frequency counts and information on word meaning from computer corpora can inform the selection of words to be studied, with a particular focus on spoken vocabulary. This leads to a consideration of learner dictionaries and some research evidence on how effectively students can use them to understand the meanings of words. Then classroom research on teaching vocabulary is discussed. Another significant topic is the design of computer-based language learning programs to enhance opportunities for learners to expand their vocabulary knowledge. Finally, a summary of recent work on vocabulary testing is presented.

Type
RESEARCH IN TEACHING LANGUAGE SYSTEMS
Information
Annual Review of Applied Linguistics , Volume 24 , January 2004 , pp. 146 - 161
Copyright
© 2004 Cambridge University Press

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Adolphs S., & Schmitt N. 2003 Lexical coverage of spoken discourse. Applied Linguistics, 24, 425– 438.Google Scholar
Al-Seghayer K. 2001 The effect of multimedia annotation modes on L2 vocabulary acquisition: A comparative study. Language Learning and Technology, 5, 202– 232.Google Scholar
Bauer L., & Nation I. S. P. 1993 Word families. International Journal of Lexicography, 6, 253– 279.Google Scholar
Beglar A., & Hunt A. 1999 Revising and validating the 2000 word level and the university word level vocabulary tests. Language Testing, 16, 131– 162.Google Scholar
Bogaards P. 2000 Testing L2 vocabulary at a high level: The case of the Euralex French tests. Applied Linguistics, 21, 490– 516.Google Scholar
Bonk W. J. 2000 Second language lexical knowledge and listening comprehension. International Journal of Listening, 14, 14– 31.Google Scholar
Burns A., & de Silva Joyce H. 2001a Researching and teaching vocabulary in the AMEP. Prospect, 16, 20– 34.Google Scholar
Burns A., & de Silva Joyce H. (Eds.). 2001b Teachers' voices 7: Teaching vocabulary. Sydney: National Centre for English Language Teaching and Research, Macquarie University.
Cameron L. 2002 Measuring vocabulary size in English as an additional language. Language Teaching Research, 6, 145– 173.Google Scholar
Coady J., & Huckin T. (Eds.). 1997 Second language vocabulary acquisition: A rationale for pedagogy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Conrad S. 2002 Corpus linguistic approaches for discourse analysis. Annual Review of Applied Linguistics 22, 75– 95.Google Scholar
Coxhead A. 2000 A new academic word list. TESOL Quarterly, 34, 213– 238.Google Scholar
Chan A. Y. W., & Taylor A. 2001 Evaluating learner dictionaries: What the reviews say. International Journal of Lexicography, 14, 163– 180.Google Scholar
Chun D. M., & Plass J. L. 1996 Effects of multimedia annotations on vocabulary acquisition. Modern Language Journal, 80, 183– 198.Google Scholar
Chung T. M., & Nation P. 2003 Technical vocabulary in specialised texts. Reading in a Foreign Language, 15, 103– 116.Google Scholar
de Ridder I. 2002 Visible or invisible links: Does the highlighting of hyperlinks affect incidental vocabulary learning, text comprehension, and the reading process? Language Learning and Technology, 6, 123– 146.Google Scholar
Doughty C., & Williams J. (Eds.). 1998 Focus on form in classroom second language acquisition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Fowle C. 2002 Vocabulary notebooks: Implementation and outcomes. ELT Journal, 56, 380– 388.Google Scholar
Gavioli L. 2002 Some thoughts on the problem of representing ESP through small corpora. In B. Kettemann & G. Marko (Eds.), Teaching and learning by doing corpus analysis (pp. 293– 303). Amsterdam: Rodopi.
Ghadirian S. 2002 Providing controlled exposure to target vocabulary through the screening and arranging of texts. Language Learning and Technology, 6, 147– 164.Google Scholar
Greidanus T., & Nienhuis L. 2001 Testing the quality of word knowledge in L2 by means of word associations: Types of distractors and types of associations. Modern Language Journal, 85, 567– 577.Google Scholar
Groot P. J. M. 2000 Computer assisted second language vocabulary acquisition. Language Learning and Technology, 4, 60– 81.Google Scholar
Hu M. H-C., & Nation P. 2000 Unknown vocabulary density and reading comprehension. Reading in a Foreign Language, 13 (1), 403– 430.Google Scholar
Hulstijn J. H. 2001 Intentional and incidental second language vocabulary learning: A reappraisal of elaboration, rehearsal and automaticity. In P. Robinson (Ed.), Cognition and second language instruction (pp.258– 286). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Hulstijn J. H., & Laufer B. 2001 Some empirical evidence for the involvement load hypothesis in vocabulary acquisition. Language Learning, 51, 539– 558.Google Scholar
Johns T. 2002 Data-driven learning: The perpetual challenge. In B. Kettemann & G. Marko(Eds.), Teaching and learning by doing corpus analysis (pp. 107– 117). Amsterdam: Rodopi.
Jones L. C., & Plass J. L. 2002 Supporting listening comprehension and vocabulary acquisition in French with multimedia annotations. Modern Language Journal, 86, 546– 561.Google Scholar
Laufer B., & Hill M. 2000 What lexical information do L2 learners select in a CALL dictionary and how does it affect word retention? Language Learning and Technology, 3, 58– 76.Google Scholar
Laufer B., & Hulstijn J. 2001 Incidental vocabulary acquisition in a second language: The construct of task-induced involvement. Applied Linguistics, 22, 1– 26.Google Scholar
Leech G., Rayson P., & Wilson A. 2001 Word frequencies in spoken and written English. London: Longman. [The accompanying Web site is at www.comp.lancs.ac.uk/ucrel/bncfreq/flists.html ]
Lightbown P. M., Meara P., & Halter R. H. 1998 Contrasting patterns in classroom lexical environments. In D. Albrechtsen, B. Henriksen, I. M. Mees & E. Poulsen (Eds.), Perspectives on foreign and second language pedagogy (pp. 221– 238). Odense: Odense University Press.
McCarthy M. 1998 Spoken language and applied linguistics. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
McCarthy M., & Carter R. 1997 Written and spoken vocabulary. In N. Schmitt & M. McCarthy (Eds.), Vocabulary: Description, acquisition and pedagogy (pp. 20– 39). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
McCarthy M., & Carter R. 2003 What constitutes a basic spoken vocabulary? Research Notes, 13: 5– 7 [Cambridge: University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations].Google Scholar
Moir J., & Nation P. 2002 Learners' use of strategies for effective vocabulary learning. Prospect, 16, 18– 32.Google Scholar
Nation P., & Wang K. 1999 Graded readers and vocabulary. Reading in a Foreign Language, 12, 355– 380.Google Scholar
Nesi H. 1999 A user's guide to electronic dictionaries for language learners. International Journal of Lexicography, 12, 55– 66.Google Scholar
Nesi H. 2000 The use and abuse of EFL dictionaries. Tübingen: Niemeyer.
Nesi H., & Haill R. 2002 A study of dictionary use by international students at a British university. International Journal of Lexicography, 15, 277– 305.Google Scholar
Nesselhauf N. 2003 The use of collocations by advanced learners of English and some implications for teaching. Applied Linguistics, 24, 223– 242.Google Scholar
Plass J. L., Chun D. M., Mayer R. E., & Leutner D. 1998 Supporting visual and verbal learning preferences in a second language multimedia learning environment. Journal of Educational Psychology, 90, 25– 36.Google Scholar
Pulido D. 2003 Modeling the role of second language proficiency and topic familiarity in second language incidental vocabulary acquisition through reading. Language Learning, 53, 233– 284.Google Scholar
Qian D. D. 1999 Assessing the roles of depth and breadth of vocabulary knowledge. Canadian Modern Language Review, 56, 282– 307.Google Scholar
Qian D. D. 2002 Investigating the relationship between vocabulary knowledge and academic reading performance: An assessment perspective. Language Learning, 52, 513– 536.Google Scholar
Read J. 1998 Validating a test to measure depth of vocabulary knowledge. In A. Kunnan (Ed.), Validation in language assessment (pp. 41– 60). Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.
Schmitt N., Schmitt D., & Clapham C. 2001 Developing and exploring the behaviour of two new versions of the Vocabulary Levels Test. Language Testing, 18, 55– 88.Google Scholar
Schmitt N., & Zimmerman C.B. 2002 Derivative word forms: What do learners know? TESOL Quarterly, 36, 145– 171.Google Scholar
Singleton D. 1999 Exploring the second language mental lexicon. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Sökmen A. 1997 Current trends in teaching second language vocabulary. In N. Schmitt & M. McCarthy (Eds.), Vocabulary: Description, acquisition and pedagogy (pp. 237– 257). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Swanborn M. S. L., & de Glopper K. 2002 Impact of reading purpose on incidental word learning from context. Language Learning, 52, 95– 117.Google Scholar
Tang E., & Nesi H. 2003 Teaching vocabulary in two Chinese classrooms: Schoolchildren's exposure to English words in Hong Kong and Guangzhou. Language Teaching Research, 7, 65– 97.Google Scholar
Tribble C. 2003 Five electronic learners' dictionaries. ELT Journal 57, 182– 197.Google Scholar
Vidal K. 2003 Academic listening: A source of vocabulary acquisition? Applied Linguistics, 24, 56– 89.Google Scholar
Ward J. 1999 How large a vocabulary do EAP engineering students need? Reading in a Foreign Language, 12, 309– 323.Google Scholar
Waring R., & Takaki M. 2003 At what rate do learners learn and retain new vocabulary from reading a graded reader? Reading in a Foreign Language, 15, 130– 163.Google Scholar
Wesche M. & Paribakht S. (Eds.). 1999 Incidental L2 vocabulary acquisition: Theory, current research, and instructional implications[Special issue]. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 21(2).
West M. 1953 A general service list of English words. London: Longman.
Wray A. 2000 Formulaic sequences in second language teaching: Principle and practice. Applied Linguistics, 21, 463– 489.Google Scholar
Wray A. 2002 Formulaic language and the lexicon. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.