HENK03614U Engelsk - Frit emne: FLA: Vocabulary Acquisition and foreign language learning

Foreign language acquisition Module 3A
Vocabulary: Description, Acquisition and Pedagogy 

In recent years more and more researchers and language teachers have stressed the central role of vocabulary knowledge in language use and language learning. In the course current theories of lexical competence, vocabulary acquisition and vocabulary teaching will be presented and discussed. Firstly, we will try to define and describe vocabulary. We will then investigate how vocabulary is acquired, stored and retrieved from the mental lexicon both from the perspective of the children learning their first language and learners learning a second- or a foreign language. One of the crucial questions here is how we can ensure that newly learnt vocabulary items are remembered and made available for production and reception. Moreover the role of incidental vocabulary learning through reading will be explored. Finally, a number of pedagogical issues relating to teaching materials, methods and vocabulary testing will be raised. Throughout the course the question of different research approaches will be addressed. For some of the participants the course might provide inspiration for research projects in relation to their thesis ('speciale'). The course will be conducted using a mixture of lectures, group work and discussion. Course material will be based on a course book and a number of empirical research articles.