A Study on Second Language Vocabulary Acquisition Under the Categorization Theory

In cognitive linguistics,debates on the status and functions of categorization have been a heated issue.In semantics and second language acquisition,scholars have discussed and achieved vocabulary acquisition from different perspectives and academic levels.Vocabulary learning exerts a fundamental role in second language vocabulary acquisition(SLVA),and it is closely related to learners’cognitive competence.However,studies on second language vocabulary acquisition under the categorization theory in cognitive linguistics have received less attention from linguists when compared with other studies.This paper employs two representative dimensions,the basic-level effect and the prototype effect,under the categorization theory to further delve into the implications on second language vocabulary acquisition.This article first provides a comprehensive introduction to the nature and the approaches of the categorization theory,and then analyzes the relations and implications for second language vocabulary acquisition under the categorization theory from the perspective of the basic-level and the prototype effects.The research results showed that the basic-level effect on SLVA is mainly on the classification of word categories distinguished from the superordinate and subordinate categories,while the prototype effect is more on understanding the complexity and use of word meaning.

Application of Information Processing Theory in Second Language Vocabulary Acquisition

Vocabulary acquisition is an intricate process,which has a close relationship with memory.In cognitive psychology,a large number of studies on memory system have been conducted based on the information processing theory,placing great value on second language learners’cognitive process.This study intends to probe into second language vocabulary acquisition from the perspective of information processing theory in hope to help learners acquire vocabulary more scientifically and efficiently.

An Empirical Study of the Influence of Attention Strategy Training on Second Language Vocabulary Acquisition

This paper presents the results of a 14-week attention strategy training of 174 college freshmen. It illustrates the promoting function of attention in second language vocabulary acquisition by raising students＇ expectations for new words, by increasing the frequency of exposure to them, by enhancing their perceptual salience, and by increasing the task demand for word study. The results show that enhancing attention in input could promote students＇ vocabulary acquisition and help them form vocabulary learning strategy suitable for their levels of proficiency.

A Comparison between Good and Poor Language Learners in Vocabulary Learning

This paper aims to make a comparison between good and poor language learners in the use of vocabulary learning strategies. It will introduce some helpful vocabulary learning strategies to help those frustrated Chinese college non-English major learners.

The Use of Cognate Words and Interlingual Homographs to Investigate the Cross-Linguistics in Second Language Processing in Iran

Various investigations have shown that the native language impacts foreign word recognition and this influence is adapted by the dexterity in the normative language. Cognates, words which area like beyond two or additional languages in some fields signify an attention-grabbing, illuminating, and crucial facet of foreign or second language learning and research. Forty-five （males and females） participants have been randomly chosen and participated in the experiment in Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran, in 2014-2015 school year. The participants＇ age was between from 18 to 28, with a mean age of 21.5 years. The materials were divided into two groups which include 30 true cognates and 30 false cognates words from 300 words by doing CVR （content validity ratio） and CVI （content validity index） （Lawshe＇s table with index of 88% and 82% respectively） for being reliable and valid. These words have been taught to them, after a week, a test has been prepared about those words. According to the results of T-test for comparing the average marks of learning in every two groups can be said that there is a meaningful difference between the scores. The results show that the students learned true cognate words better than the false cognate words. The results of this investigation conjointly make sure the expectations that cognate-based instruction can absolutely impact in second language acquisition.

To Understand the English Culture Well is Important to Learn English

When we learn a foreign language, we do not just notice the differences between that foreign language and our native one, we are also struck, and aided, by numerous features shared by the two languages. This article illustrates the relationship between the language and culture and discusses their differences mainly from the vocabulary and pragmatics, trying to explain that if one learns a language, he/she must be familiar with its culture Only then can he understand the language and culture well, and use the language freely.

The Effects of Exposure Frequency and Contextual Richness in Reading on Chinese EFL Learners' Vocabulary Acquisition

This study investigates the effects of exposure frequency and contextual richness in reading on the acquisition of different aspects of vocabulary knowledge. An intact class of 35 second- year English majors read an adapted story, with the target pseudo words highlighted, and then took ten carefully sequenced vocabulary tests. The test scores were subjected to multiple regression analyses. Follow-up semi-structured interviews were also conducted. The findings show that （a） frequency and contextual richness were closely related to vocabulary knowledge of spelling, grammar and syntax, with frequency playing a more influential role than contextual richness; （b） contextual richness contributed exclusively to gains in meaning and paradigmatic association, while frequency did not exert much influence in this regard; （c） knowledge of spelling and grammar was probably implicitly acquired, whereas word meaning gains required both explicit attention and conscious processing.