Learning New Vocabulary

May 3 2016

Nayive Zapata Cano
Juan Pablo Aguiar
Daniela Tabares Restrepo

IMPORTANCE OF LEARNING NEW VOCABULARY

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How many words should we learn per day?

You can use any range you like, of course. The sweet spot is about 15 new words a day. If you’re focusing really hard for a short period, you can double that. Usually, though, you should stick right to that 15-word range and enjoy steady long-term results. Moreover, one of the most important things to keep in mind is that you rarely learn a vocabulary word the first time you see it, or even the first day you see it. You have to review a word again, and again, and again. I’ve seen estimates that say it takes seven meaningful exposures to really learn a word, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s closer to 20 or 30 exposures

LingQ. (2016). What is the average number of words you can learn a day?. [online] Available at: https://www.lingq.com/es/forum/4/20123/ [Accessed 3 May 2016].

Why do we need to learn vocabulary when learning a target language?

When you’re learning a new language, it´s really important to learn vocabulary because words are the base of languages since a good vocabulary helps you to make listening, speaking, reading, and writing easier to perform.Based on (Wilkins, 1972) “without grammar, very little can be conveyed; without vocabulary nothing can be conveyed”

Worddive.com. (2013). Why Is Vocabulary Acquisition So Important in Second and Foreign Language Learning? | Dive into Language. [online] Available at: http://www.worddive.com/blog/words-will-get-you-far-why-is-vocabulary-acquisition-so-important-in-second-and-foreign-language-learning/ [Accessed 3 May 2016].

How can we learn vocabulary?

Once you have got to grips with the fundamentals of a language (pronunciation, orthography and basic grammar), you can concentrate on learning vocabulary. This is probably the most important and time-consuming part of learning a language. Experts recommend to associate the familiar with unfamiliar, to subordinate the gender of the word (masculine and feminine), you can also learn related words and phrases to those which you already know. Finally, you should practice as much as possible for you not to forget these new words.

Vliet, N. (2013). 38 Language-Learning Experts Reveal their Favorite Method for Learning Vocabulary. [online] Smart Language Learner. Available at: http://www.smartlanguagelearner.com/experts-reveal-method-learning-vocabulary/ [Accessed 3 May 2016].

How can we teach vocabulary?

In order to better understand a new language is needed to learn new vocabulary, so as teachers, we recommend you the following ways to effectively teach vocabulary to your students: you can teach them to notice and understand new words introducing them nouns, things, objects, animals, adjectives taking advantage of flashcards, objects, and illustrations; teach them to recognize new words using bingo, matching, and fill in the blanks; finally, producing vocabulary through descriptions, mind maps, fill in the blanks and the strategies you’d like taking in account that is better to keep the words in context.

LingQ. (2016). What is the average number of words you can learn a day?. [online] Available at: https://www.lingq.com/es/forum/4/20123/ [Accessed 3 May 2016].

WEBPAGES FOR YOU TO LEARN NEW ENGLISH VOCABULARY

British Council Games

In this website you can have fun playing games and learning English at the same time! British Council offers lots of free online vocabulary games for children and teenager to play and enjoy. You can learn new words, practice using them in sentences and play their spelling games too.

Learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org. (2016). Fun games | LearnEnglish Kids | British Council. [online] Available at: https://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/en/fun-with-english [Accessed 3 May 2016].

https://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/en/fun-with-english

GLE (Games to Learn English)

GLE offers interactive online games for learning and teaching English as a Second Language to students. Their learning games are mostly suitable for teaching kids and teenagers, but if you are an adult you’re going to enjoy this website anyways. There are activities for teaching and practicing English grammar, vocabulary, sentences, listening and pronunciation skills. By playing our fun educational games, students learn English vocabulary, sentence structures, grammar, listening, pronunciation and phonics.

Learn English. (2016). Games to Learn English - For Students. [online] Available at: https://www.gamestolearnenglish.com/ [Accessed 3 May 2016].

https://www.gamestolearnenglish.com

ESOL Courses

Through this website you’ll improve your English listening skills and get a better pronunciation with fun song quizzes! There are several levels as you advance, such as beginners, elementary, advance etc. It’s a perfect tool if you expect your reading comprehension to be on the next level, and is suitable as you can speak better.

ESOL Courses. (2016). Learn English With Songs | Free Listening Lessons. [online] Available at: http://www.esolcourses.com/topics/learn-english-with-songs.html [Accessed 3 May 2016].

http://www.esolcourses.com/topics/learn-english-with-songs.html