LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Volume 14:5 May 2014
ISSN 1930-2940

Managing Editor: M. S. Thirumalai, Ph.D.
Editors: B. Mallikarjun, Ph.D.
         Sam Mohanlal, Ph.D.
         B. A. Sharada, Ph.D.
         A. R. Fatihi, Ph.D.
         Lakhan Gusain, Ph.D.
         Jennifer Marie Bayer, Ph.D.
         S. M. Ravichandran, Ph.D.
         G. Baskaran, Ph.D.
         L. Ramamoorthy, Ph.D.
         C. Subburaman, Ph.D. (Economics)
Assistant Managing Editor: Swarna Thirumalai, M.A.

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An Overview of Saudi EFL Learners’ Self-assessment of
Vocabulary Learning Strategies

Dr. Rajakumar Guduru
M.A. (TESL), M.Phil. (ELT), Ph.D. (ELT)
King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This paper presents Saudi EFL learners’ self-assessment of vocabulary learning strategies. The participants of the study were 50 advanced Saudi EFL learners. 25 statements of vocabulary learning strategies were presented to the learners for self-assessment on a 0-4 point scale. The data was analyzed qualitatively. Results show that learners are unaware of the most of the strategies and also do not use them in learning words. It was found that learners’ poor language skills at school level indicate learners’ lack of awareness and use of vocabulary strategies. This paper suggests that acquiring vocabulary learning strategies promotes better learning of both receptive as well as productive vocabulary which in turn enhances learners’ knowledge of comprehension of texts in FL and communication. The paper concludes by offering some suggestions and useful techniques that interest learners in acquiring vocabulary.

Introduction

Vocabulary is a core component of language proficiency and provides the basis for understanding how well learners listen, speak, read, and write. Without an extensive vocabulary and strategies for acquiring new vocabulary, learners often achieve less than their potential in terms of academic success. Further, lack of proficiency in vocabulary also hampers learner’ optimal use of the language learning opportunities available aplenty (the radio, newspapers, television). Research on vocabulary in recent years has focused on the levels of vocabulary learning which learners need to achieve in order to read original materials, not simplified or abridged, and to process different kinds of oral and written texts. Research also explored the kinds of strategies learners use in understanding, using, and remembering words. Thus, now the importance of vocabulary and its role has been greatly acknowledged both in learning and in teaching a second language.

Defining terms: ‘Vocabulary’ and ‘Strategy’

In the context of second or foreign language learning, it is generally understood that vocabulary means ‘new words’. Now let us look at the definitions given by two well-known dictionaries. According to the Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, vocabulary means ‘All the words known and used by a particular person’ (CALD p. 1423). According to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, vocabulary means ‘All the words a person knows or uses’ (OALD p. 1707).

This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.

Dr. Rajakumar Guduru
Assistant Professor
College of Sciences and Arts
King Khalid University
Balqarn
Saudi Arabia
raja.ciefl@gmail.com
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