Imran Nazeer, Shahira Mukhtar, Behjat Azhar (2023)

11Vol.7 No.3 2023Exploring the Effectiveness of Vocabulary

Acquisition Strategies inForeign Language Learning.
Jennifer Dawn Pendergrass (2017), Increasing the Vocabulary Acquisition Rate for Third Grade English
Language Learners.

Tetiana Zubenko, Anastasiia Gavrylenko, Tetyana Zhyvotovska, Nadiia Vasylieva (2022), SPACED
VOCABULARY ACQUISITION WHILE INCIDENTAL LISTENING BY ESL UNIVERSITY STUDENTS8

What Is the “Context”for Contextual

William J. Rapapor (2004)
Vocabulary Acquisition?
What is vocabulary acquisition strategy?

A vocabulary acquisition strategy, according to many studies, is a systematic

approach to learning new words and expanding one's vocabulary. It involves
various techniques and methods that have been found to be effective in enhancing
word learning. Some common strategies include using context clues, word roots,
and flashcards
Based on the prior study by Jennifer Dawn Pendergrass (2017), these strategies aim to
provide learners with multiple exposures to new words, promote understanding of
word meanings, and facilitate long-term retention. Employing these strategies can
greatly aid language learners, including English language learners (ELLs), in
building a strong and diverse vocabulary repertoire.

What are they?

"Contextual vocabulary acquisition (CVA) refers to the process of acquiring the
meaning of a word in a text by using textual clues and prior knowledge, without
the use of external resources like dictionaries or assistance from others." by
William J. Rapapor (2004).
Flash cards have been utilized in the instruction of English as a second language.
Their application extends beyond vocabulary learning to encompass propositions,
articles, sentence structures, tenses, and phrasal verbs (Palka, 1988). Alongside
vocabulary acquisition, flash cards have proven effective in enhancing
comprehension and reading speed (Tan & Nicholson, 1997). Morever, Oxford
(1990) mentioned teachers often face the challenge of choosing the most effective
vocabulary strategy for instruction. They seek answers on which strategy is more
impactful for second language vocabulary acquisition and long-term recall.
Another researcher like Nation (2008) stated that vocabulary learning strategies
are part of general learning strategies, with word parts, word cards, context clues.
An effective approach for English language learners is to analyze unfamiliar words
by breaking them into manageable parts (prefixes, roots, suffixes) and creating new
words from these components.
Three strategies has their own advantages and disadvantages according to Abbas
Ebrahimain , Nessa Nabifar (2015).Particularly, Abbas Ebrahimain , Nessa Nabifar (2015)
conducted a study investigates the effect of word-part strategy, word-card strategy, and context-clue
strategy on Iranian EFL learners’ vocabulary learning and retention. Accordingly, the study aimed at
answering the following research questions:

1- Are there any significant differences among the word-part group, flashcards, and context-clue
group in learning vocabulary?

2- Are there any significant differences among the word-part group, wordcard group, and context-
clue group in the retention of vocabulary over time?

Objectives:
The need to improve language learners’ vocabulary has motivated some
teachers to find different ways to elicit useful information about the process
of their learners’ language acquisition.