Teach English in Liugu Zhen - Weinan Shi

Background/Literature review Vocabulary learning is an essential part of foreign language learning as the meanings of new words are very often emphasized, whether in books or in classrooms. It is also central to language teaching and is of paramount importance to language learners. Without adequate knowledge of vocabulary, language learners are generally impeded in their academic activities. Vocabulary knowledge is also instrumental in reading comprehension (Read, 2000; Qian, 2002). It is shown that knowledge of vocabulary is closely related to reading comprehension. Vermeer (2001) suggests it can be used as one of the best estimates of language proficiency at school. Without a solid mastery of vocabulary, listening, reading, translation and writing are all attics in the air. Recent research indicates that teaching vocabulary may be problematic because many teachers are not confident about the best practice in vocabulary teaching and at times don’t know where to begin to form an instructional emphasis on word learning (Berne & Blachowicz, 2008. In this essay, I summarize important research on the importance of vocabulary in SLA and explain different techniques used by English teachers in teaching vocabulary, as well as my personal view on the subject. The Definition of Vocabulary Hornby (1995) defines vocabulary as ''the total number of words in a language; vocabulary is a list of words with their meanings”. Vocabulary can also be defined as the total number of words needed to communicate ideas and express the speakers' meaning. Hence, the importance of vocabulary in SLA What is the role of vocabulary in Second Language Acquisition? Vocabulary knowledge is often viewed as a critical tool for second language learners because a limited vocabulary in a second language impedes successful communication. Schmitt (2000) emphasizes that “lexical knowledge is central to communicative competence and to the acquisition of a second language” p. 55) Nation (2001) further describes the relationship between vocabulary knowledge and language use as complementary: knowledge of vocabulary enables language use and, conversely, language use leads to an increase in vocabulary knowledge. Many researchers argue that vocabulary is one of the most important if not the most important component in learning a foreign language and foreign language curricula must reflect this. Wilkins (1972) states that ‘‘There is not much value in being able to produce grammatical sentences if one has not got the vocabulary that is needed to convey what one wishes to say … While without grammar very little can be conveyed, without vocabulary nothing can be conveyed’’ p97). Other scholars such as Richards (1980) and Krashen (1989), as cited in Maximo (2000) state many reasons for devoting attention to vocabulary. “First, a large vocabulary is, of course, essential for mastery of a language. Second language acquirers know this; they carry dictionaries with them, not grammar books, and regularly report that the lack of vocabulary is a major problem’’ Techniques used in teaching vocabulary: Commonly, there are several techniques concerning the teaching of' vocabulary. However, there are a few things that have to be remembered by most English teachers if they want to present new vocabulary or lexical items to their students. For students to remember new vocabulary. it needs to be learnt, practiced, and revised to prevent them from forgetting. Here are some techniques of teaching vocabulary as stated by Brewster, Ellis, and Girard (1992) 1. Using Illustrations and Pictures connect students’ prior knowledge to a new story, and in the process, help them learn new words. New vocabulary can be introduced by using illustrations or pictures. They are an excellent means of making the meaning of unknown words clear. 2. Eliciting: This technique is more motivating and memorable by simply giving pupils a list of words to learn. 3. Klippel (1994) implies that "mimes or gestures are useful if they emphasize the importance of gestures and facial expression on communication. Many words can be introduced through mime, expressions, and gestures. For example, adjectives: "sad”," happy”; mime and taking a hat off your head to teach hat and so on. 4. Drilling is employed to make learners get accustomed to the word form especially to how it sounds. 5. Drawing: Objects can either be drawn on the blackboard or drawn on flash cards. Besides the above techniques, there are also, vocabulary learning strategies that teachers can take into account. They can train students to use these strategies. Schmitt and McCarthy (1997) propose strategies to learn vocabulary as follows: - Guessing from context - Using word parts and mnemonic techniques to remember words - Using vocabulary cards to remember foreign language-first language word pairs Conclusion This essay aims at highlighting the importance of vocabulary learning as an essential part in foreign language learning. Although it has been neglected for many decades, during the 80s it became a 'hot' topic for researchers. Lexical knowledge is central to communicative competence and to the acquisition of a second/foreign language. A lack of vocabulary knowledge is an obstacle to learning. An attempt is made to review the trends in the area of teaching vocabulary through various techniques ESL/EFL teachers use when teaching. Before presenting the meaning or form of vocabulary items, teachers need to notice the type of the vocabulary, the students’ level and characteristics, and also the value of the techniques for the learners. In other words, students' age, level of education as well as English proficiency ...etc. may affect their learning, so teachers need to be aware of these differences when applying their teaching techniques. They can further provide their students with vocabulary learning strategies with opportunities to encounter words repeatedly and in more than one context. Reference: Mofareh Alqahtani, (03/2015) The importance of vocabulary in language learning and how to be taught Akram Malekpu (2015) The Reading Matrix: An International Online Journal Volume 15, Number 2, September 2015. Vocabulary Learning Strategies from the Bottom-Up: A Grounded Theory Chelsea Williams (2013) The Role of Writing in Second Language Acquisition → The Importance of Vocabulary in Second Language Acquisition