Frequency of use, perceived usefulness and factors affecting second language vocabulary strategies: A study of Japanese learners
Frequency of use, perceived usefulness and factors affecting second language vocabulary strategies: A study of Japanese learners
Brien Datzman
Centre for English Language Studies
College of Arts and Law
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT
United Kingdom
Second language vocabulary acquisition is one of the most difficult and daunting tasks a language learner has to face. The last 30 years has seen an emergence in the importance of language learning strategies in language learning in general and, by extension, vocabulary acquisition. This dissertation assesses which vocabulary learning strategies learners use and how helpful they believe them to be among three different contexts in Japan. It also examines the influence that person, task, and context have over that use and those beliefs. It first examines previous research into vocabulary size, vocabulary knowledge, and vocabulary learning strategies. Findings are then applied to some of the key findings of the study. A vocabulary learning strategy survey was used to reveal patterns of use and beliefs among the three research groups. Results indicate that the learners both use and believe to be useful strategies for vocabulary learning. A closer examination finds differences among the groups that can be directly attributed to classroom environment, motivation, and opportunities for use. The author concludes that while learners are open to strategy instruction, consideration of the person, task, and context must be taken into account when considering the amount and focus of instruction.
Category: 2017 Thesis, Thesis
