VOCABULARY JOURNALS AS AN INDEPENDENT LEARNING TOOL FOR L2 VOCABULARY IMPROVEMENT

Abstract

Vocabulary learning is an incremental and ongoing process that has an indispensable value in language acquisition allowing foreign language learners to convey their thoughts and communicate. Receptive vocabulary fosters comprehension of reading and listening, whereas productive vocabulary promotes speaking and writing skills. The focus of this study is the productive vocabulary of learners. Particularly, it is shown that in incidental vocabulary learning, the involvement load is of great importance. The three factors that influence the involvement load are need, search, and evaluation. In the case study conducted within the framework of the present research, the relevance of these three factors is brought to light and highly emphasized. The study aims to present how vocabulary journals influence vocabulary enhancement and to show the participants’ experience of implementing a vocabulary journal as a tool for intentional and autonomous learning. The research methods applied in the study include vocabulary size test, productive vocabulary test, implementing vocabulary journal technique, post-tests for measuring vocabulary knowledge of the participants, and an interview.