Vocabulary Types and Acquisition

Study Notes

Active vocabulary: Words that are actively used in speech and writing
Passive vocabulary: Words that are recognized and understood, but not actively used
Receptive vocabulary: Words that are understood when heard or read, but not necessarily used in speech or writing
Productive vocabulary: Words that are used in speech and writing

Incidental learning: Learning vocabulary through exposure to words in context, such as through reading or listening
Intentional learning: Learning vocabulary through deliberate effort, such as through memorization or study
Implicit learning: Learning vocabulary through indirect means, such as through inference or deduction
Explicit learning: Learning vocabulary through direct instruction or explanation

Direct instruction: Teaching vocabulary through explicit explanation and examples
Indirect instruction: Teaching vocabulary through contextualized activities and exercises
Incidental instruction: Teaching vocabulary through exposure to words in context, without explicit explanation
Vocabulary building strategies: Teaching learners techniques for acquiring and using vocabulary, such as semantic mapping or word families

Receptive vocabulary tests: Assessing learners' understanding of vocabulary through multiple-choice or true/false questions
Productive vocabulary tests: Assessing learners' ability to use vocabulary in context, such as through writing or speaking
Vocabulary size tests: Assessing learners' knowledge of vocabulary in terms of the number of words they know
Vocabulary depth tests: Assessing learners' understanding of vocabulary in terms of nuances of meaning and connotation

Active vocabulary consists of words that are actively used in speech and writing
Passive vocabulary includes words that are recognized and understood, but not actively used
Receptive vocabulary refers to words that are understood when heard or read, but not necessarily used in speech or writing
Productive vocabulary includes words that are used in speech and writing

Incidental learning involves learning vocabulary through exposure to words in context, such as through reading or listening
Intentional learning involves learning vocabulary through deliberate effort, such as through memorization or study
Implicit learning occurs through indirect means, such as through inference or deduction
Explicit learning involves learning vocabulary through direct instruction or explanation

Direct instruction involves teaching vocabulary through explicit explanation and examples
Indirect instruction involves teaching vocabulary through contextualized activities and exercises
Incidental instruction involves teaching vocabulary through exposure to words in context, without explicit explanation
Vocabulary building strategies involve teaching learners techniques for acquiring and using vocabulary, such as semantic mapping or word families

Receptive vocabulary tests assess learners' understanding of vocabulary through multiple-choice or true/false questions
Productive vocabulary tests assess learners' ability to use vocabulary in context, such as through writing or speaking
Vocabulary size tests assess learners' knowledge of vocabulary in terms of the number of words they know
Vocabulary depth tests assess learners' understanding of vocabulary in terms of nuances of meaning and connotation

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