Vocabulary Learning And 9 Things A Learner Needs

May 31, 2020 | Vocabulary

Eager to learn English? Anxious for vocabulary learning?

Well, first you should get started with vocabulary… but why?

Learning new words in a language is probably the best way to trigger communication. Obviously, because the message is the most important and there’s no message without words. Even if you make grammar mistakes, when your idea is somehow clear, you will be understood.

Trust me! This is the reason why vocabulary learning is extremely important in the students’ language development especially in the communication skills. 

And vocabulary is for sure more than a list of items and phrases generally organized and explained in any kind of subject, register and/or a particular group.

Although I really love lists and theme organised vocabulary topics (as you will probably see by yourself), I have to agree that vocabulary is much more than that – It’s the heart of any language!

So… why are words that important? Why is vocabulary learning important?

Without precise words, it’s not possible to relate ideas, express feelings, tell stories, describe, communicate, interpret, etc. 

I believe that without words nothing can be conveyed. 

Not giving priority to vocabulary learning and teaching is like learning and teaching how to love without a lover, how to apologize without regretting, how to play golf without a golf club, how to build a house without foundation.

Vocabulary is the only element of the language that learners need to learn and develop constantly and permanently.

It’s thus the only element to master the four language skills.

But how is it possible to make you learn the right words without making you memorize long lists that sooner than wished will be forgotten?

So many strategies!

There is a giant list of successful strategies, however I’m here to help you guide with one of my favourite ones: introducing vocabulary by using photography!

That is the same as saying introducing relevant new words through photos, illustrations, pictures and so on. Real life portraits.

Introducing new words through portraits of real life situations help to create a meaningful context.

This isn’t an easy task since there are hundreds of thousands of words in our beloved English language. However, you have to bear in mind that even the native speaker only uses a fraction of these words in everyday life. So don’t expect as a learner to grasp every word you learn, read or listen. 

Don’t expect your student to do it either. As teachers we can’t assume that our learners will start using the words in vocabulary lists immediately.

What we do know is what a difference a word makes!

First, we have to select, probably based on frequency or any particular need; then, once we have chosen what to teach, we should immediately consider common sense and practicability.

I’ve gone through a list of things to consider when learning a new word. 

The meaning is, of course, my number 1 (and specially if you are a learner). Nevertheless, there are other things to deal with. Have a look!

Make sure you know most of these but concentrate on the essential.

9 Things You Need To Know About A Word:

1. Meaning

2. Form – Is it a noun, a verb, an adjective…?

3. Pronunciation 

4. Spelling

5. Connotations and register

6. Grammar pattern – Is it followed by any preposition, an adverb…?

7. Its relation to other words – synonyms, antonyms, etc

8. Prefixes or suffixes

9. Collocations

WORDS , choose them carefully!

I will be concentrating my attentions on the meaning but aligning the other 8 things with the main one.

Meanwhile, 

HAVE FUN in LEARNING ENGLISH.
HAVE FUN IN TEACHING ENGLISH.
LOOK AROUND and SEE…
WORDS make a WORLD. 
OURS.