Definition
Vocabulary learning in a second language (L2) or second language vocabulary acquisition is the process by which people learn vocabularies in another language after the acquisition of the first language (L1, also called “native language” or “mother tongue”). L2 vocabulary acquisition is different from L1 vocabulary acquisition because an L2 learner has already developed a conceptual and semantic system linked to L1. There is no doubt that the first language (L1) exerts a considerable influence on learning and using L2 vocabulary in a number of ways. In terms of learning burden, it is generally considered that, for learners whose L1 is closely related to the L2, the learning burden of most target words is light; for learners whose L1 is not related to the L2, the learning burden is heavy.
Theoretical Background
There was a time when vocabulary development was seen as some kind of secondary...
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References
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Wu, X. (2012). Vocabulary Learning in a Second Language. In: Seel, N.M. (eds) Encyclopedia of the Sciences of Learning. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1428-6_943
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