Question: Discuss the major strategies or techniques of improving vocabulary.
Introduction
In the context of vocabulary significance there is a saying that little can be done without grammar, but nothing can be done without vocabulary. To put it another way, the vocabulary is the life of communication. Although advanced level vocabulary is very difficult to improve, it can be done very easily by following some major techniques.
Vocabulary development
Vocabulary is an essential element for all communication. One of the main tasks of a language teacher is to develop a rich and useful list of students’ vocabulary. There are many techniques for teaching vocabulary. These are discussed below:
Inspiration for extensive reading
One of the most effective strategies for enriching vocabulary is to encourage wide reading. Extensive reading habits help students in many ways, such as establishing permanently familiar words and encountering new words.
Emphasis on learning from context
If a student reads regularly and extensively his or her textbook, he or she will not only be able to enhance store of vocabulary but also achieve an extraordinary result.
Reading, writing and discussion
It is as true as the sun rising and setting that there is no substitute for reading, writing, and discussion to enhance vocabulary. This combo practice must be maintained.
Repetition drill for using possible sentences
A language teacher must design his class including most possible sentences which are used in day to day communication. If three to six thousand possible sentences are designed and practiced repeatedly, it will be established with students abidingly.
Analyzing parts of words
Analyzing parts of words means suffixes, infixes and prefixes because new words are formed adding suffixes and prefixes with the roots. As for example the word “abnormal” has been formed adding prefix ‘ab’ with normal. So, analyzing of parts of words will improve vocabulary.
Practicing synonyms and antonyms
Practicing synonyms and antonyms is very effective for the purpose of improving vocabulary. It is believed that the root words are not more than ten thousand, but the synonyms and antonyms have made it higher and higher such as the word simple has five to six synonyms used in daily conversation.
Others
- Encouraging oral language use
- Keyword method
- Creating deep interest in language and so on.
Conclusion
In termination, it is to be told that improving is not an easy task, but devotional application of the above strategies must help students to achieve their goal in field vocabulary.
