As an English language learner, you are as diverse as any group of learners. English learners require different types of instruction adapted to particular individuals. According to Crandall & Sheppard (2004), the different types of non-English speakers that need to improve English vocabulary can include international students; adults where English is their second language; Generation 1.5 where learners don’t originate from English speaking countries but have studied in English schools; where individuals speak a different style of English; or where the student has had minimal education in their own native language.
Those seeking to learn English as a second language can follow proven strategies used by those who teach English. These can include:
- Systematic instruction (such as word lists) is one method to improve English vocabulary (Swain and Carroll, 1987). This involves regular instruction. It assists in the transition from receptive (i.e. listening and reading) to productive vocabulary (i.e. speaking and writing). One type of systematic instruction that can be used to improve English vocabulary is that of Ultimate Vocabulary’s ESL Success Edition. Regardless of the student’s level of proficiency, the software offers non-English speakers the opportunity to build their English vocabulary. There is an audio pronunciation tool (human not computerized). This will assist you to speak like a native English speaker; reduce your accent; and read and comprehend English.
- Both written and verbal instruction is important (Swain and Carroll, 1987). You need to include both types of vocabulary instruction or learning will be slower and ineffective. This is also a must because different learners have different ways of learning. This way, your particular learning style will be covered. It also helps you to learn differences between the written and spoken word, such as the register. Register is when you say words like ‘talkin’ instead of ‘talking’ or ‘gunna’ instead of ‘going to’. Many of us speak differently when at home versus at the office. If you are learning English and hear it spoken differently to how it is spelt, it can create confusion. You need to learn by putting both together.
- Prior vocabulary knowledge helps improve English vocabulary. Essentially, the more English vocabulary you know (even at the most basic of levels), the easier it will be to learn more. Also keep in mind that there are differences amongst your first language and the English language – even when it seems similar.
- Maximise learning through spontaneous instruction. Your own curiosity will provide you with learning opportunities. When you are interested in something, you are more likely to retain that knowledge. Connect it to vocabulary learning. It will also tap into your own differences in learning styles. In such instances, follow these interests and differences (Swain and Carroll, 1987). Your English vocabulary will develop even faster.
- Another way of developing English vocabulary is to use real-life situations to promote learning (such as everyday life experiences) and to also incorporate instruction in your first language (The Centre for Literacy of Quebec, 2008). Apart from contextualised learning (such as the use of utility bills), decontextualised learning also helps. This involves the use of reference materials such as dictionaries (Hunt and Beglar, 2005).
Some specific exercises to improve English vocabulary can include:
- Examining Pairs. That is, pairs of words can be opposed to each other (e.g. small and large); similar (e.g. inner and internal); or can create confusion (e.g. accept and except) (Greever and Bachelor, Century Vocabulary Builder, 1922). A study of these will assist when developing English vocabulary.
- Analogies – this is a type of exercise that is related to pairs. You link words based upon an inference to another set of words. For example, as ‘easy’ is to ‘hard’, ‘cold’ is to (?). The answer in this case is hot.
- Semantic categories – He smashed the … glass/jumper/book. The appropriate answer is glass.
- Organising words on a range – raining > spitting > overcast > sunny.
- The severity of words – to cool or to freeze; to smack or to punch.
- The slang word – a child or a kid.
- Positive meanings – study the words that are not received in a positive light or are more acceptable. For example, fat or overweight.
Developing English vocabulary can seem daunting. There are, however, many different strategies at hand to increase your English vocabulary. Some of these are more effective than others. Used in combination, they can promote rapid learning.
References
Crandall, J & Sheppard, K 2004, Adult ESL and the Community College, Council for Advancement of Adult Literacy, Working Paper 7, December 13, New York, NY.
Greever, G & Bachelor, JM, The Century Vocabulary Builder (1922).
Hunt, A & Beglar, D 2005, ‘A framework for developing EFL reading vocabulary’, Reading in a Foreign Language, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 23-59.
Swain and Carroll 1987, in Belisle, TA 2007, Developing Vocabulary Knowledge in the Immersion Classroom.
The Centre for Literacy of Quebec 2008, ESL and Literacy: Finding Common Ground, Serving Learners’ Needs A Survey of the Literature.