scholarly journals The Impact of L1 Lexical Organisation on L2 Vocabulary Acquisition

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Masrai ◽  
James Milton
Keyword(s):  
Vocabulary Acquisition ◽  
First Language ◽  
Potential Interaction ◽  
Receptive Vocabulary ◽  
Vocabulary Size ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Higher Secondary Education ◽  
L2 Vocabulary ◽  
L1 And L2 ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThis paper presents an empirical study investigating the relationship between first language (L1) lexical organisation and second language (L2) vocabulary development. The participants consisted of 191 native Arabic learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) within higher secondary education in Saudi Arabia. To conduct the study, two receptive vocabulary size tests (L1 Arabic-Lex and L2 English X-Lex) were used with an L1 lexical organisation test (ALOT) which was designed for the purpose of the study. Learners' L1 lexical organisation scores were found to be associated with their L1 and L2 receptive vocabulary scores. However, the strong correlation found between lexical organisation and the size of the lexicon in learners’ L1 might well suggest that lexical networks and the size of the lexicon are one unified system. Nevertheless, to find any potential interaction between L1 lexical organisation and size on L2 vocabulary acquisition, ‘moderation’ analyses were performed. Moderation results revealed three levels of interaction; low, average and high. The low level shows that a low level of lexical organisation leads to low levels of L1 and L2 vocabulary size. The same relationship trend was logged for average and high levels. These results thus emphasise the importance of a well-structured L1 mental lexicon on L2 vocabulary acquisition

scholarly journals The Impact of Preschool Education on L1 Vocabulary Development and Sequential Bilingualism: The Case of Arab Schoolchildren

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 121
Author(s):  
Ahmed Masrai
Keyword(s):  
First Language ◽  
Vocabulary Development ◽  
Preschool Education ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Vocabulary Knowledge ◽  
Receptive Vocabulary ◽  
L2 Vocabulary ◽  
L1 And L2 ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Early Childhood Settings

Considerable research has investigated the effect of preschool education on subsequent school success and proposed a positive link between the two. Less research, however, has directly investigated the influence of preschool education on children’s vocabulary development. This paper reports on a study that examines the impact of preschool education on children’s first language (L1) vocabulary development in early childhood settings and the potential impact this has on the successive acquisition of second language (L2) vocabulary in later school years. To conduct the study, data from 200 Arabic-English successive bilingual children were collected. The data are scores on receptive vocabulary knowledge in L1 and L2 of two groups of fourth grade schoolchildren (with and without preschool education). The results show that: (1) preschool education contributes largely to L1 vocabulary development and L2 vocabulary acquisition; (2) there is a strong link between L1 and L2 receptive vocabulary knowledge; and (3) bilingual mental lexicon size is predicted by preschool education. The present study provides further insights on the relation between preschool education and L1 vocabulary growth and the influence of this on sequential bilingualism. These findings will allow informed decisions on the support for preschool education by parents and educational policymakers.

The role of orthotactic probability in incidental and intentional vocabulary acquisition L1 and L2

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denisa Bordag ◽  
Amit Kirschenbaum ◽  
Maria Rogahn ◽  
Erwin Tschirner
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Vocabulary Acquisition ◽  
Native Speakers ◽  
First Language ◽  
Intentional Learning ◽  
Vocabulary Size ◽  
Advanced Learners ◽  
Word Meanings ◽  
L1 And L2

Four experiments were conducted to examine the role of orthotactic probability, i.e. the sequential letter probability, in the early stages of vocabulary acquisition by adult native speakers and advanced learners of German. The results show different effects for orthographic probability in incidental and intentional vocabulary acquisition: Whereas low orthographic probability contributed positively to incidental acquisition of novel word meanings in first language (L1), high orthographic probability affected positively the second language (L2) intentional learning. The results are discussed in the context of the following concepts: (1) triggering the establishment of a new representation, (2) noticing of new lexemes during reading, and (3) vocabulary size of the L1 and L2 mental lexicons.

scholarly journals Interdependence between L1 and L2: The case of Syrian children with refugee backgrounds in Canada and the Netherlands

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-36
Author(s):  
Elma Blom ◽  
Adriana Soto-Corominas ◽  
Zahraa Attar ◽  
Evangelia Daskalaki ◽  
Johanne Paradis
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Maternal Education ◽  
First Language ◽  
Refugee Camp ◽  
Syntactic Skills ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Bilingual Language Development ◽  
Dutch Sample ◽  
L1 And L2 ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Children who are refugees become bilingual in circumstances that are often challenging and that can vary across national contexts. We investigated the second language (L2) syntactic skills of Syrian children aged 6-12 living in Canada (n = 56) and the Netherlands (n = 47). Our goal was to establish the impact of the first language (L1 = Syrian Arabic) skills on L2 (English, Dutch) outcomes and whether L1–L2 interdependence is influenced by the length of L2 exposure. To measure L1 and L2 syntactic skills, cross-linguistic Litmus Sentence Repetition Tasks (Litmus-SRTs) were used. Results showed evidence of L1–L2 interdependence, but interdependence may only surface after sufficient L2 exposure. Maternal education level and refugee camp experiences differed between the two samples. Both variables impacted L2 outcomes in the Canadian but not in the Dutch sample, demonstrating the importance to examine refugee children’s bilingual language development in different national contexts.

scholarly journals Linguistic interdependence of receptive vocabulary skills in emergent bilingual preschool children: Exploring a factor-dependent approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (05) ◽  
pp. 1269-1297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sven Sierens ◽  
Stef Slembrouck ◽  
Koen Van Gorp ◽  
Orhan Agirdag ◽  
Piet Van Avermaet
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Maternal Education ◽  
Explanatory Models ◽  
Receptive Vocabulary ◽  
Immigrant Status ◽  
Vocabulary Size ◽  
Emergent Bilingual ◽  
Vocabulary Skills ◽  
L2 Vocabulary ◽  
At Home

AbstractThis study investigates the extent to which internal and contextual factors moderate the linguistic interdependence between receptive vocabulary skills in emergent bilingual children. Such factors are frequently related to first (L1) and second language (L2) skills, but few studies have examined their concurrent influence on the cross-language relationship, or have linked the results to the two main explanatory models for interdependence: common underlying proficiency or individual differences. Using a cross-sectional correlational design, concept comprehension was bilingually assessed in 154 children of Turkish background (aged 4 to 6), attending Flemish preschool. Regression analyses revealed that Turkish L1 vocabulary size significantly predicted Dutch L2 vocabulary size, which is in line with interdependence theories. Age, preschool grade, and L2 use at home positively predicted L2 vocabulary. Newly arrived immigrant status and maternal education (partly) predicted L2 vocabulary negatively, the latter especially in 3rd preschool grade. Concerning moderation, indications were found for weakening interdependence for high L2 use at home (3rd preschool grade) and newly arrived immigrant status. Overall, our findings implicate that interdependence in emergent bilinguals’ vocabulary depends on the examined factors to a limited degree only. Finally, our data point to the individual differences model, rather than the common underlying proficiency model of linguistic interdependence.

Investigating the role of vocabulary size in second language speaking ability

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 540-556 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takumi Uchihara ◽  
Jon Clenton
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Vocabulary Knowledge ◽  
Receptive Vocabulary ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Vocabulary Size ◽  
Expert Rating ◽  
L2 Speaking ◽  
Vocabulary Assessment ◽  
L2 Vocabulary

The current study investigates the extent to which receptive vocabulary size test scores can predict second language (L2) speaking ability. Forty-six international students with an advanced level of L2 proficiency completed a receptive vocabulary task (Yes/No test; Meara & Miralpeix, 2017) and a spontaneous speaking task (oral picture narrative). Elicited speech samples were submitted to expert rating based on speakers’ vocabulary features as well as lexical sophistication measures. Results indicate that vocabulary size was significantly associated with vocabulary rating. However, learners with large vocabulary sizes did not necessarily produce lexically sophisticated L2 words during speech. A closer examination of the data reveals complexities regarding the relationship between vocabulary knowledge and speaking. Based on these findings, we explore implications for L2 vocabulary assessment in classroom teaching contexts and provide important suggestions for future research on the vocabulary-and-speaking link.

The relative effects of L1 and L2 glosses on L2 learning: A meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
pp. 136216882098139
Author(s):  
Hyun Soo Kim ◽  
Jang Ho Lee ◽  
Hansol Lee
Keyword(s):  
Reading Comprehension ◽  
Vocabulary Learning ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
First Language ◽  
Relative Effectiveness ◽  
L2 Proficiency ◽  
L2 Reading ◽  
Proficiency Level ◽  
L2 Vocabulary ◽  
L1 And L2

Glossing is a widely used and examined vocabulary learning tool, and one of the major branches of glossing research has compared the relative effects of first language (L1) and second language (L2) glosses on reading comprehension and vocabulary learning. However, the findings in this literature have not been consistent, calling for a comprehensive and systematic review. To this end, we conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the relative effects of L1 and L2 glossing on L2 reading comprehension and L2 vocabulary learning. Based on 78 effect sizes gathered from 26 studies representing 30 independent samples ( N = 2,189), we found that L1 glossing was more effective than L2 glossing in general (Hedge’s g = .33, SE = .09, p < .001), but the effect size may vary depending on the target outcome measure. The relative effectiveness of L1 glossing was particularly supported by the results of immediate posttests of vocabulary, rather than delayed posttests of vocabulary and reading comprehension tests. Further, among a few selected moderator variables, the results of meta-regression revealed that learners’ L2 proficiency level significantly influenced the average effectiveness, such that L1 glossing is particularly effective for beginner learners compared to those with intermediate or higher L2 proficiency levels.

Situated incidental vocabulary acquisition: The effects of in-class and out-of-class novel reading

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Barry Lee Reynolds
Keyword(s):  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Vocabulary Acquisition ◽  
Medium Effect ◽  
Vocabulary Size ◽  
Vocabulary Recall ◽  
Incidental Vocabulary ◽  
Incidental Vocabulary Acquisition ◽  
Reading Context ◽  
L2 Vocabulary ◽  
Vocabulary Recognition

AbstractResearchers investigating the incidental acquisition of vocabulary through reading have often required participants to read in controlled classroom or lab environments. This method delimits reading to short texts read in one sitting and fashions an anomalous reading context (i. e. not mimicking ecologically valid extensive reading situations). To investigate whether the physical reading context affects incidental vocabulary acquisition, an empirical study was conducted with two groups of participants that read the same 36,711-token novel containing 49 target words – in-class readers (n = 48) and out-of-class readers (n = 32). Results showed reading context has a large effect on vocabulary recall and a medium effect on vocabulary recognition. Medium correlations were found between incidental acquisition and reading context as well as second language (L2) vocabulary size. Two standard three-explanatory-variable (L2 vocabulary size, reading context, reading time) multiple regressions accounted for 40% of the variance in vocabulary recall and 44.5% of the variance in vocabulary recognition. Nuanced distinctions between in-class and out-of-class readers were uncovered by analyzing responses to open-ended reflective questionnaire items about the study, novel, target vocabulary, and vocabulary learning strategies. A lens of criticality was used to discuss the findings in terms of their pedagogical and methodological implications.

scholarly journals Impact of Psychological Well-Being on the Vocabulary Acquisition Level of Nigerian Adolescents Learning French Language in Rural Settings

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 87-92
Author(s):  
Adejumo Gbadebo Olubunmi ◽  
Maryam Tar
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Vocabulary Acquisition ◽  
Well Being ◽  
French Language ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Rural Settings ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Cloze Test

There is now clearer recognition that, in a country as culturally and linguistically diverse as Nigeria, specific attention must be paid to the mental readiness of learners especially in acquiring language different from their first language or lingua franca such as French language. Vocabulary acquisition is part of the psychology of foreign language learning that has received short shrift from applied linguistics, and has been very largely neglected by recent developments in research. This study therefore examined the impact of psychological well-being on the vocabulary acquisition level of Nigerian adolescents learning French language in rural settings. Survey research design was adopted in this study. Sixty eight students from fourteen secondary schools were randomly selected for this study with age range 15 to 18 years. They were made up of 38 males representing 52.9% and 30 females representing 47.1%. Out of this sample 42% were in SS1, 36% in SS2 and 22% in SS3.  All these students had French language as one of subjects they were taking in school. These schools were located in rural areas in Ogun and Oyo states, Southwest Nigeria. A questionnaire was developed to measure students’ psychological well being while cloze test was used to measure vocabulary acquisition level. The two instruments yielded 0.78, and 0.76 test-retest reliability respectively with 0, 64 Cronbach Alpha for Psychological well being measure and 0.66 for cloze test. The findings revealed low level of performance in the five subscales of Psychological Well being Measure, self-acceptance, quality ties to other, autonomy in thought and action, the ability to manage complex environments to suit personal needs and values, the pursuit of meaningful goals and a sense of purpose in life and continued growth and development as a person.  The study equally reported low level of vocabulary acquisition of French language across all the levels.  A significant impact of psychological wellbeing on the vocabulary acquisition of French language was found at r=0.62, adj r2=0.59 and f(1,66)= 48.26, p<0.05. It was concluded that improved psychological wellbeing will definitely leads to high level of vocabulary acquisition of French language among students even in rural areas. It was recommended that health-promoting factors for maintaining good health should be strengthened in learners for positive learning outcomes.  

“I know the word, but ...”

2005 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 15-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sun Hee Ok Kim
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
First Language ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Vocabulary Knowledge ◽  
The Other ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
L2 Learning ◽  
L2 Vocabulary ◽  
L1 And L2

Abstract Bilinguals sometimes report on difficulties in finding words while speaking in the first language (L1) or the second language (L2), which is frequently attributed to the negative influence of one language onto the other. This paper addresses this issue by investigating the relationship between L1 and L2 vocabulary knowledge of Korean-English bilinguals who have been exposed to an L2 learning environment since the age of 12 years. Their vocabulary knowledge in L1 and L2 is measured by using a standardised vocabulary test in each language and their L1 vocabulary measures are compared with that of 12 year old Korean monolinguals. The findings show that there is a significant positive correlation between the scores from the L1 and L2 vocabulary tests among the participants. The findings suggest (1) that L1 vocabulary learning continues in the L2 learning environment, and (2) that the extent of the vocabulary knowledge in one language is the good predictor of the other, highlighting the positive role of L1 vocabulary knowledge in L2 learning. Implications for the support for L1 development of young immigrants are also discussed.

scholarly journals Vocabulary size, translation equivalents, and efficiency in word recognition in very young bilinguals

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 760-783 ◽  
Author(s):  
JACQUELINE LEGACY ◽  
PASCAL ZESIGER ◽  
MARGARET FRIEND ◽  
DIANE POULIN-DUBOIS
Keyword(s):  
Vocabulary Development ◽  
Receptive Vocabulary ◽  
Word Retrieval ◽  
Parental Report ◽  
Vocabulary Size ◽  
Word Comprehension ◽  
English Bilingual ◽  
Communicative Development ◽  
Vocabulary Comprehension ◽  
L1 And L2

ABSTRACTThe present study examined early vocabulary development in fifty-nine French monolingual and fifty French–English bilingual infants (1;4–1;6). Vocabulary comprehension was assessed using both parental report (MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventory; CDI) and the Computerized Comprehension Task (CCT). When assessing receptive vocabulary development using parental report, the bilinguals knew more words in their L1 versus their L2. However, young bilinguals were as accurate in L1 as they were in L2 on the CCT, and exhibited no difference in speed of word comprehension across languages. The proportion of translation equivalents in comprehension varied widely within this sample of young bilinguals and was linked to both measures of vocabulary size but not to speed of word retrieval or exposure to L2. Interestingly, the monolinguals outperformed the bilinguals with respect to accuracy but not reaction time in their L1 and L2. These results highlight the importance of using multiple measures to assess early vocabulary development.

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