Addresses the application of corpus resources and research methods, through concordance programs, to vocabulary study in second-language programs. The article attempts to demonstrate that a corpus linguist's use of his access to large quantities of data to observe the relational and distributional properties of linguistic phenomena can be usefully…

Compares various computerized bilingual dictionaries for their relative effectiveness in helping Japanese college students at several language proficiency levels to access new English target vocabulary. (Author/VWL)

The "fourth grade slump" in reading comprehension still exists. Among poor children, low comprehension ruins their chances for academic success. Among all children, comprehension scores are stagnant. Research indicates that key to both problems is systematically building children's vocabulary, fluency, and domain knowledge. To improve reading,…

Contrasts the hypothesis that phonological memory, but not phonological sensitivity, accounts for significant variation in young children's receptive vocabulary. Presents the view that both phonological memory and sensitivity are manifestations of a latent phonological processing ability. Suggests that with age and performance IQ effects…

Emphasizes that as an answer to the demand of companies desiring to optimize their internal and external multilingual communication, the Didascalia center started the development of company-specific language courseware. Presents an overview of how Didascalia specified an answer to that demand and developed a solution. (Author/CK)

Presents a study of outcomes of three methods of vocabulary instruction (i.e., the use of contextual cues, the use of definitions, and a mixed approach) when supplemented by computer-assisted instruction (CAI) using a mixed approach. Reports that CAI was effective with contextual only, definition only, and mixed approaches. (50 citations) (AJL)

Looks at the design, implementation, and integration of a task journal in an English-as-a-Foreign-Language class that is designed to do the following: 1) stimulate students' thinking about the text; 2) promote reflection on the reading process; 3) give students practice with a practical strategy for vocabulary building; and 4) serve as a basis for…

Shows how language processing is intimately tuned to input frequency. Examples are given of frequency effects in the processing of phonology, phonotactics, reading, spelling, lexis, morphosyntax, formulaic language, language comprehension, grammaticality, sentence production, and syntax. (Author/VWL)

Examined whether intermediate learners of a second language acquire and retain unknown vocabulary as a result of reading. Also assessed the effect of the text variable of exposure frequency. (Author/VWL)

Reports the results of a descriptive study on sex differences in the use of a second language. A questionnaire was administered to 581 Spanish-speaking students learning Basque and English as second language to answer the following question: Do male and female second language learners differ in the number and the range of vocabulary strategies…

A Hong Kong study concerning the learning of English vocabulary by Cantonese speakers aimed to find out the vocabulary size of the tertiary students and whether they need help with academic vocabulary, to identify strategies that are conducive to learning vocabulary in general and the strategies that are especially useful for learning high- and…

Investigates how effectively multimedia learning environments can assist second language (L2) students in the process of listening comprehension. Looks specifically at how written and pictorial annotations can aid learners in the acquisition of new vocabulary and in comprehension when they listen to an aural L2 passage. (Author/VWL)

Looks at how vocabulary notebooks have been introduced into a secondary school language program in Thailand as a means of increasing learners' lexical competence and assisting them in the development of autonomous modes of learning. Possible outcomes are considered in terms of the development of study skills and cognitive strategies necessary for…

Advocates using a linguistic approach to supplement teaching social studies vocabulary. Highlights advantages of teaching vocabulary through etymological analysis, including greater student interest, more precise definitions, and the approach's transferability. Disadvantages include the complexity of some prefix meanings. Concludes that this…

Four ideas for French classroom activities are described: a phonetics exercise focusing on two vowels; an activity developing self-expressive skills using advertisements for flowers; an exercise for developing vocabulary relating to money and investment; and a literary study of a 1987 novel. (MSE)