EFL Vocabulary Learning and Vocabulary Learning Strategies

EFL Vocabulary Learning and Vocabulary Learning Strategies

Sikmanovic, Ljiljana

Vocabulary acquisition was for long considered to be the easiest aspect of foreign language acquisition for which no particular formal instruction was necessary. However, due to the emergence and development of the communicative method and Krashen’s Natural Approach during ‘70s and ‘80s of the 20th century, such attitudes began to change, largely on the basis of the following and similar premises: a foreign language learner at the beginner’s level benefits more from vocabulary than from grammar, a learner that possesses a rich vocabulary can avoid grammar in an attempt to communicate meaning, appropriate vocabulary may sometimes be far more important than appropriate grammar, and so on. That finally meant giving vocabulary the attention it deserves. The aim of this paper is to present some of the results of an experimental research based on different methodologies, including classroom observation, questionnaires, interviews, and testing, in order to provide insights into some of the ways that foreign language learners in Montenegro approach vocabulary learning and use vocabulary learning strategies. The paper will also focus on the similarities and differences across learners, as well as on the implications of the research findings for foreign language vocabulary teaching.

Conference or Workshop Item
PeerReviewed

2012-05

898