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6. Teaching and learning lexis (The scope of vocabulary challenge…
6. Teaching and learning lexis
Introduction
learning vocabulary is an essential part of mastering a second language.
despite its key role, however, vocabulary learning processes and methods were not always paid enough attention
Lexis vs. Vocabulary
Vocabulary
: typically refers mainly to single words and sometimes to very tightly linked two or three-word combinations
The concept of
lexis
is bigger: it refers to our internal database of words and complete ready-made.. combinations of words that we recall and use quite quickly iwthout having to construct new phrases and sentences word by word from strach using our knowledge of grammar.
lexis includes:
traditional single-word vocabulary items
common going-together patterns of words, collocations
longer combinations of words that are typically used tohether as if they were a single item, chunks
The scope of vocabulary challenge
Vocabulary size (how much to learn/teach?)
a number of opinions relating to the percentage of lexical items that a learner must know in order to understand written or spoken discourse
written discourse: 98-99% coverage is necessary
spoken discourse: 2 studies have indicated that substantial comprehension can occur with lower coverage rates - it requires betwen 2000-3000 word families to understand spoken English...
Learners must learn a very large number of lexical items to be able to operate in English
it can no longer be assumed that adequate lexis will simply be picked up from exposure to language tasks.
a more proactive approach needs to be taken in promoting vocabulary learning
Depth of vocabulary knowledge
a learner must know a great deal about each item to use it well. knowing the written/spoken form and meaning is enough for recognition, however, in order to use the word productively, much more has to be known
word knowledge aspects: form, meaning (associations), use (grammatical functions, collocations)
Different teaching approaches at the different stages of acquisition (beginning: explicit approach, later: exposure approach..)
Intentioal learning of vocabulary
although valuable learning can accure from incidental exposure, inentional vocabulary learning almost always leads to greater and faster gains, with a better chance of renention...