SECOND LANGUAGE VOCABULARY ACQUISITION FROM A LINGUISTIC POINT OF VIEW

Abstract

Lexical acquisition is a complex process that fits into a larger system of different integrated levels including orthography, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics. At the core of lexical acquisition is the notion of 'word' and 'word knowledge'. In order to understand the process of L2 vocabulary learning, it is necessary to define what a 'word' is and which aspects are involved in 'word knowledge'. That is, what does it mean to know a 'word'? When is a 'word' supposed to be 'mastered' or 'acquired'? In this respect, it is well worth considering the various factors contributing to word knowledge as well as variables influencing the difficulty with which words are learned. Based on the exploration of word knowledge and L2 vocabulary learning difficulties, lexical acquisition can be seen as a gradual, ongoing process of various developmental stages and ultimate achievement levels.