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Introduction to Vocabulary
Vocabulary forms an integral part of the process of reading and readers’ comprehension. It refers to the words needed for communicating effectively. It implies receptive vocabulary and expressive vocabulary. Receptive vocabulary refers to the words that we hear and read while expressive vocabulary implies the words that we speak and write. It is rightly said that without vocabulary, it is not possible to convey anything. A broader idea of vocabulary is discussed below. Vocabulary DefinitionVocabulary is denoted as “the group and collection of words that are known and used by a particular person”. It can also be defined as “a list or collection of words or phrases that are normally alphabetically arranged and defined or explained”. Vocabulary is also commonly called wordstock, lexis, and lexicon. Importance of VocabularyVocabulary is an essential part of anyone’s life and the following points describe the importance of vocabulary.
What is Vocabulary in English?The answer to 'what is vocabulary in English?' is all the words that form a language to be understood by a specific person or maybe a group of people. Vocabulary in English can be categorized into two types, namely- active and passive. The words that we use and understand in day-to-day language are termed as active vocabulary while the ones which we know but use rarely are said to be passive vocabulary. Three Tiers of VocabularyVocabulary is described with the following three tiers:
The basic words form the first tier of vocabulary. These words normally have a single meaning and do not require instruction. Early reading words, sight words, adjectives, verbs, nouns, etc are portrayed in this tier. 8000-word families in English comprise this tier.
Also called the multiple meaning vocabulary tier, this tier comprises words used in a variety of domains, adult communication, literature, etc. It influences reading and speaking. 7000-word families comprise this tier. The characteristics for tier two words are as follows:
The words that are used only when specifically required or in a particular domain like weather, technology, geographical region, occupation, hobbies, school, etc. comprise this tier. About four lakh words in vocabulary in English comprise this tier. Types of VocabularyThe types of vocabulary can be categorized based on spoken and written vocabulary. Children start vocabulary-building through listening and speaking even before writing and reading. Every type of vocabulary has a different aim and purpose. However, the development of one type of vocabulary facilitates another. The types of vocabulary are discussed below briefly.
Listening vocabulary comprises words that we understand through hearing. A fetus may start recognizing some words when in the womb. Learning new words is a continuous process, and by the time you reach adulthood, almost fifty thousand words are understood and recognized by you. Deaf people can be exposed to visual listening vocabulary for learning.
Speaking vocabulary consists of words that we actually speak. It has a horizon of around 5000 to 10000 words. These are used for giving instructions and conversations. The number of words in this category are comparatively lesser than the listening vocabulary.
The major ingredient of vocabulary building is reading. Reading grows and develops your vocabulary. The words we get to learn while reading a text are termed as reading vocabulary. It may happen that we understand words through reading vocabulary even if we don’t use it in speaking vocabulary.
Words we recoup while expressing ourselves through writing are termed as writing vocabulary. Writing vocabulary is normally influenced by the words we are able to spell. We find it easy to express verbally, through facial expression, or intonation, but writing vocabulary depends upon our expertise in vocabulary.
Richard Rorty discovered this term ‘Final Vocabulary’. It is a collection, set, or group of words that every person applies to justify their actions, beliefs, and lives. Final vocabulary comprises words a person avails to praise, contempt, express deep feelings, hopes, doubts, etc. Ways to Improve Your VocabularyStudents can adopt several ways to improve their vocabulary. A few important ways to improve vocabulary are given here:
ConclusionPeople struggle with vocabulary due to lack of instruction, learning strategies, poor memory skills, or learning disabilities. Response to Intervention program (RTl) assists in vocabulary-building. Learning and exploring new words and then applying them in different contexts improves your communication skills. Always keep learning antonyms, synonyms, connotations, idioms, phrases, and keep reading various books to develop your vocabulary. Recently Updated Pages Banking and E-Banking – Definition, Types, Functions and FAQs Business Environment - Definition, Components, Dimensions & Examples Planning Premises - Introduction to Planning Premises, Importance, and Types Revenue Deficit - Differences, Calculations, Formula and Disadvantages Organizing - Meaning, Process, and In Every Aspect of Life Importance of Consumer Protection - Explanation and FAQs What term describes the ability to hear individual sounds in spoken words?Phonemic awareness refers to the specific ability to focus on and manipulate individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken words. Phonemes are the smallest units comprising spoken language.
What does oral vocabulary mean?Oral vocabulary refers to words that children can understand or use while speaking and listening. Oral vocabulary is closely related to their reading vocabulary, which is the words that children can recognise and use in their reading or writing.
What are reading words?Reading vocabulary refers to the words that a student can read and understand. When students know more words, they are more able to understand what they read. There is a strong connection between understanding the meaning of words and understanding a story, textbook or other reading materials.
Why is vocabulary important to teach?Vocabulary plays a fundamental role in the reading process and is critical to reading comprehension. Children learn the meanings of most words indirectly, through everyday experiences with oral and written language. Other words are learned through carefully designed instruction.
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