Assessing Strategies for Teaching Vocabulary and Developing Lexical Competence in Language Education
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Abstract
This study investigates the role of vocabulary in language teaching syllabus through the lenses of Cognitive Linguistics, Sociocultural Theory, and Usage-Based Linguistics. Vocabulary is central to language acquisition, yet limited lexical knowledge often leads to learner frustration and demotivation. Despite vocabulary’s centrality to language acquisition, it is often underemphasized in curricula, leaving educators with limited guidance on effective instruction (Berne & Blachowicz, 2008). Using a qualitative approach, classroom observations, teacher interviews, and curriculum analysis, the research explores how vocabulary is addressed in instructional practices and identifies challenges such as pedagogical inconsistency and teacher uncertainty. Grounded in theories that emphasize mental representation, social interaction, and meaningful use, the study reveals a gap between theoretical models and classroom implementation. Findings underscore the need for professional development and curriculum reform that elevate vocabulary instruction as a core component of language education.
Article Details
How to Cite
Ariremako Afolabi Innocent, Oladele Jiboku, & Gladys N. Kefas. (2025). Assessing Strategies for Teaching Vocabulary and Developing Lexical Competence in Language Education. LingLit Journal Scientific Journal for Linguistics and Literature, 6(1), 62-74. https://doi.org/10.33258/linglit.v6i1.1352
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References
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Bright and Ma Gregory (1970:30) teaching English Asa second language
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Cameron, L. (2001). Teacher’s language to young learner’s .Cambridge: Cambridge University press.
Celce- Murcia, M. (ed). Teaching English as a second or foreign language, pp. 285-299.Boston: Heinle
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Chiu, R. K. (1972). Temporal variation in language. Language Learning, 22(1), 91-102.
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Chomsky, N., & Halle, M. (1968). The sound pattern of English. Harper & Row,New York.
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Dubin, F. (1993). Predicting word meanings from contextual clues: Evidence from LI Readers. In Huckin
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Fillmore, C. J. (1968). The case for case. In E. Bach & R. T. Harms (Eds.), Universals in linguistic theory (pp. 1-88). Holt, Rinehart and Winston.
Freeman, D., & DeCarrico, J. (2010). Teaching vocabulary. In M. H. Long & C. J. Doughty (Eds.), The handbook of language teaching (pp. 322-346). Wiley-Blackwell.
Gairns, R. & redman, S. (1986). Working with words: A guide to teaching and learning Vocabulary. USA: Cambridge university press
Griffiths C. (2003). Patterns of language learning strategy use. System 31, 367-383.
Gruenberg M & Sykes R (1991), Individual difference and attitude to the keyword method of foreign language learning. Language learning journal, 4, pp. 60 – 62
GU, Y (2003). Vocabulary learning in second language: person, task, context and strategies. Electronic journal. TESL EJ, 7(2), pp. 1 – 26
Haynes, M,, and Coady, J (Ed), Second language reading and vocabulary learners, pp. 181-202.
Hneriksen, B. (1999). Three dimension of vocabulary development. Studies in seconds language Acquisition3, 303-317
Hulstijn, J. H., & Laufer, B. (2001). Some empirical evidence for the involvement-load hypothesis in vocabulary acquisition. Language Learning, 51(3), 539–558.
J. SIMPSON (Ed), the Rutledge handbook of Applied Linguistics (p.571-583), Abingdon, UK / New York: Rouyledge
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Larson- Freeman, D Decamen J. 12010) Introduction grammar Grammars an Introduction to Applied Linguistics (2nd Edition) London: Hodder Education
Laufer, B. & P. nation (1999) A vocabulary size of controlled productive ability. Language Testing, 16, pp. 33 – 51.
Lennebery (2012) Is second language learning like the first? TESOL Quarterly 1 & 2 Edition (pg 112 – 127)
Lui, J. (2016) Role of vocabulary levels test (VLT) in Chinese undergraduate student Comprehension of text books, journal of language teaching and research, 7(2) pp. 364 – 369
Makes (1965) Language teaching analysis (1968) REVERS in Teaching Foreign language skills
Matthews, P. (2018). Vocabulary. In P. Matthews (Ed.), Vocabulary. Oxford University Press.
Maximo, R. (2000). Effect if rote, context, keyword, and context/ keyword method on retention of vocabulary in EFL classroom, language learning, 50(2), pp. 385 – 412.
Nation i.e. (2013) Teaching vocabulary. Rutledge a practice guide to vocabulary teaching incorporating insight from lexical frequency and collocation research.
Nation, I. S. P., & Webb, S. (2011). Researching and analyzing vocabulary. Heinle Cengage.
Nilsen, D. L. (1971). Toward a theory of case. The Hague: Mouton.
Noble, C. E. (1953). An analysis of meaning. Psychological Review, 60(3), 175-188.
Oxford R.: L (1990) Language learning strategies what every teacher should know
Paninskas (1972) Psycholinguistics in Applied Linguistics.
Pérez‑Serrano, M., Nogueroles‑López, M., & Duñabeitia, J. A. (2022). Effects of semantic clustering and repetition on incidental vocabulary learning. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, Article 997951. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.997951
Richards J. Schmitt, R (2010) Longman Dictionary of language teaching applied linguistics (40 Edition) ESSEX: Pearson Education L.T.D
Richards, J. C. (1974). Error analysis:Perspectives on second language acquisition. Longman.
Schmitt, N., & McCarthy, M. (2020). Vocabulary in language teaching (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
Schonell, F. J., Meddleton, I. G., & Shaw, B. A. (1956). A study of the oral vocabulary of adults. University of Queensland Press, Brisbane.
Slobin (1972) Psycholinguistics study of second and foreign language acquisition. Texas, USA
Watt (1944) Psycholinguistics A second language perspective. Rowley.
Webb, S. (2007). The effects of repetition on vocabulary knowledge. Applied Linguistics, 28(1), 46-65.
Zou, H (2013) collocation a corpus based approach. Rutledge. A detailed exploration of collocation and their role in vocabulary acquisition and teaching.
Barcroft J Schmitt, N & sunderman, G (2012). LEXIS IN
Baxter, P., Bekkering, H., Dijkstra, T., Droop, M., van den Hurk, M., & Léoné, F. (2021). Grounding second language vocabulary instruction in cognitive science. Mind, Brain, and Education, 15(1), 24–34. https://doi.org/10.1111/mbe.12278
Bernard (1960) Reading and word study Friday (1957)
Berne, J.I. & Blachwicz, C.L.Z. (2008). What reading Teachers, say about vocabulary Instruction: voices from the classroom. The reading Teacher, 62 (4), pp. 314-323.
Bright and Ma Gregory (1970:30) teaching English Asa second language
Brown (1974) Semantic analysis of meanings in acquisition of language London, UK.
Cameron, L. (2001). Teacher’s language to young learner’s .Cambridge: Cambridge University press.
Celce- Murcia, M. (ed). Teaching English as a second or foreign language, pp. 285-299.Boston: Heinle
Cepeda, N. J., Pashler, H., Vul, E., Wixted, J. T., & Rohrer, D. (2006). Spacing effects in learning: A temporal ridgeline of optimal retention. Psychological Science, 17(11), 1095-1102.
Chamot, A.U. (2004). Issues in language learning strategy research and teaching. Electronic Journal of Foreign Language teaching. 1(1), PP. 14-26.
Chiu, R. K. (1972). Temporal variation in language. Language Learning, 22(1), 91-102.
Chomsky, N. (1965).Aspect of the theory of syntax. THE M.LT PRESS. Cambridge, Massachusetts – USA.
Chomsky, N., & Halle, M. (1968). The sound pattern of English. Harper & Row,New York.
Coady, J. (1997). L2 vocabulary acquisition through extensive reading. In J. Coady & T. Huckin (Eds.), Second language vocabulary acquisition: A rationale for pedagogy (pp. 225–237). Cambridge University Press.
Decarrico, J. S. (2001). Vocabulary learning and teaching .
Desse, J. (1965). A clinical study of word association. Journal of General Psychology, 73(2), 247-255.
Dubin, F. (1993). Predicting word meanings from contextual clues: Evidence from LI Readers. In Huckin
Eskey (1973) Lexical Richness in the spontaneous speech of bilinguals. Miami, USA
Fillmore, C. J. (1968). The case for case. In E. Bach & R. T. Harms (Eds.), Universals in linguistic theory (pp. 1-88). Holt, Rinehart and Winston.
Freeman, D., & DeCarrico, J. (2010). Teaching vocabulary. In M. H. Long & C. J. Doughty (Eds.), The handbook of language teaching (pp. 322-346). Wiley-Blackwell.
Gairns, R. & redman, S. (1986). Working with words: A guide to teaching and learning Vocabulary. USA: Cambridge university press
Griffiths C. (2003). Patterns of language learning strategy use. System 31, 367-383.
Gruenberg M & Sykes R (1991), Individual difference and attitude to the keyword method of foreign language learning. Language learning journal, 4, pp. 60 – 62
GU, Y (2003). Vocabulary learning in second language: person, task, context and strategies. Electronic journal. TESL EJ, 7(2), pp. 1 – 26
Haynes, M,, and Coady, J (Ed), Second language reading and vocabulary learners, pp. 181-202.
Hneriksen, B. (1999). Three dimension of vocabulary development. Studies in seconds language Acquisition3, 303-317
Hulstijn, J. H., & Laufer, B. (2001). Some empirical evidence for the involvement-load hypothesis in vocabulary acquisition. Language Learning, 51(3), 539–558.
J. SIMPSON (Ed), the Rutledge handbook of Applied Linguistics (p.571-583), Abingdon, UK / New York: Rouyledge
Jackson, H, & amvela, E. (2000). Words, meaning and vocabulary: an introduction modern English lexicology, London; New York: cassell,’’ Open linguistics series.
Kalajahi, S, A, R., (2012) vocabulary learning strategies and vocabulary size of ELT Student at EMU in Northern Cyprus, department of language and humanities education. Faculty of educational studies university putra Malaysia.
Kamil,M.L.,&Herbert,M.(2005). Vocabulary and comprehension instruction. In M.L.Kamil,J.B.Manning,& H.J .Walberg (Eds.),Improving adolescent literacy:Content and process(pp.65-92).National Academy of Education.
Kida, S., Barcroft, J., & Sommers, M. (2022). Word learning and lexicalization in a second language: Evidence from the prime lexicality effect in masked form priming. Memory & Cognition, 50, 1414–1431. https://doi.org/10.3758/s13421-022-01274-6
Larson- Freeman, D Decamen J. 12010) Introduction grammar Grammars an Introduction to Applied Linguistics (2nd Edition) London: Hodder Education
Laufer, B. & P. nation (1999) A vocabulary size of controlled productive ability. Language Testing, 16, pp. 33 – 51.
Lennebery (2012) Is second language learning like the first? TESOL Quarterly 1 & 2 Edition (pg 112 – 127)
Lui, J. (2016) Role of vocabulary levels test (VLT) in Chinese undergraduate student Comprehension of text books, journal of language teaching and research, 7(2) pp. 364 – 369
Makes (1965) Language teaching analysis (1968) REVERS in Teaching Foreign language skills
Matthews, P. (2018). Vocabulary. In P. Matthews (Ed.), Vocabulary. Oxford University Press.
Maximo, R. (2000). Effect if rote, context, keyword, and context/ keyword method on retention of vocabulary in EFL classroom, language learning, 50(2), pp. 385 – 412.
Nation i.e. (2013) Teaching vocabulary. Rutledge a practice guide to vocabulary teaching incorporating insight from lexical frequency and collocation research.
Nation, I. S. P., & Webb, S. (2011). Researching and analyzing vocabulary. Heinle Cengage.
Nilsen, D. L. (1971). Toward a theory of case. The Hague: Mouton.
Noble, C. E. (1953). An analysis of meaning. Psychological Review, 60(3), 175-188.
Oxford R.: L (1990) Language learning strategies what every teacher should know
Paninskas (1972) Psycholinguistics in Applied Linguistics.
Pérez‑Serrano, M., Nogueroles‑López, M., & Duñabeitia, J. A. (2022). Effects of semantic clustering and repetition on incidental vocabulary learning. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, Article 997951. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.997951
Richards J. Schmitt, R (2010) Longman Dictionary of language teaching applied linguistics (40 Edition) ESSEX: Pearson Education L.T.D
Richards, J. C. (1974). Error analysis:Perspectives on second language acquisition. Longman.
Schmitt, N., & McCarthy, M. (2020). Vocabulary in language teaching (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
Schonell, F. J., Meddleton, I. G., & Shaw, B. A. (1956). A study of the oral vocabulary of adults. University of Queensland Press, Brisbane.
Slobin (1972) Psycholinguistics study of second and foreign language acquisition. Texas, USA
Watt (1944) Psycholinguistics A second language perspective. Rowley.
Webb, S. (2007). The effects of repetition on vocabulary knowledge. Applied Linguistics, 28(1), 46-65.
Zou, H (2013) collocation a corpus based approach. Rutledge. A detailed exploration of collocation and their role in vocabulary acquisition and teaching.