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Incidental Or Intentional? A Critical Analysis Of Incidental Second Language Vocabulary Learning

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  • Wing-man CHAN

    (The Open University of Hong Kong)

Abstract

It is observed that several first language vocabulary is acquired incidentally. Both learners and teachers are aware that learning a second language requires the successful acquisition of large numbers of words. Researchers suggest that second language learners need to know on average 3,000 - 4,000 word-families to understand audio input and up to 8,000 word-families to understand written input. Effective vocabulary learning is thus an enormous but essential task. Incidental vocabulary learning is considered to be the “by-product” of extensive reading and viewing. While there is substantial second language research on incidental vocabulary learning, inconclusive findings have been found, and some key issues are not fully addressed. Focusing on the second language context, this paper aims to explore the concept of incidental learning of second language vocabulary and discusses to what extent it is possible as well as effective from exposures to reading, reading-while-listening, and audio-visual input. With reference to empirical studies, pedagogical implications for language teaching will be discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Wing-man CHAN, 2021. "Incidental Or Intentional? A Critical Analysis Of Incidental Second Language Vocabulary Learning," Advances in Education Sciences, Department of Communication, Journalism and Education Sciences, University of Craiova and Center of Advanced Studies in Education Sciences (CASES), vol. 3(1), pages 4-22, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:ako:aesjou:v:3:y:2021:i:1:p:4-22
    DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5791917
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wing-man CHAN, 2018. "Teaching in HIGHER education: Students’ perceptions of effective teaching and good teachers," Social Sciences and Education Research Review, Department of Communication, Journalism and Education Sciences, University of Craiova, vol. 5(1), pages 40-58, August.
    2. Venus CHAN, 2020. "To Read Or Not To Read: A Critical Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of Extensive Reading In Esl/Efl Contexts," Social Sciences and Education Research Review, Department of Communication, Journalism and Education Sciences, University of Craiova, vol. 7(2), pages 48-68, December.
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      Keywords

      incidental second language vocabulary learning; effective vocabulary learning; second language learning; critical analysis; Hong Kong;
      All these keywords.

      JEL classification:

      • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education

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