Research Article

A Study of Vocabulary Learning Strategies and their Effect on Vocabulary Development

Authors

  • Sunimali Nagodavithana Senior Lecturer, Division of Interdisciplinary Studies, Institute of Technology, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
  • Kaushika Premarathne Lecturer, Division of Interdisciplinary Studies, Institute of Technology University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Language learners use Vocabulary Learning Strategies to learn new words or to consolidate the meaning of words they have already learnt. This paper presents findings of a study conducted to examine the vocabulary learning strategies (VLS) used by English as a second language (ESL) learners when learning English at tertiary level, in Sri Lanka.   The aim of the study was to gain a better understanding of VLS used by ESL learners with the view of adopting better vocabulary teaching methods in the classroom. The study made use of a questionnaire, a vocabulary learning activity and a delayed post-test to obtain data.  Schmitt’s (1997) taxonomy of vocabulary learning strategies was utilized in categorizing the data collected. The research brought to light the common strategies used by learners when learning the meaning of unfamiliar words in the target language and the strategies used by them when recalling the meaning of already learnt words.  The results show that when students fall back on their mother tongue to learn and retain the meaning of target language vocabulary it impedes the vocabulary learning process, the development of reading skills and target language proficiency.

Article information

Journal

Journal of English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics

Volume (Issue)

3 (2)

Pages

68-77

Published

2021-02-27

How to Cite

Nagodavithana, S. ., & Premarathne, K. . (2021). A Study of Vocabulary Learning Strategies and their Effect on Vocabulary Development. Journal of English Language Teaching and Applied Linguistics, 3(2), 68–77. https://doi.org/10.32996/jeltal.2021.3.2.7

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Keywords:

Vocabulary learning strategies, English as a second language learners, bilingual dictionary, mother tongue (LI) translation