Vocabulary Size in a Second Language

Bibliographic Data

ID23644881
AuthorsImma Miralpeix (0000-0002-9118-5391, corresponding author)
Year2025
Pages1-5
Publication date2025-12-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeCHAPTER
VenueEncyclopedia of Applied Linguistics (SOURCE_BOOK)
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/9781405198431.wbeal1270.pub2
OpenAlexW4416917634
ISBN9781405198431
LanguageEN
References cited15

Vocabulary size in a second language (L2) can be defined as the number of words we know in the L2. We usually distinguish between receptive vocabulary size (the number of words that can be comprehended when encountered in spoken or written input) and productive vocabulary size (the number of words that can be freely used in speech or writing). Measuring vocabulary size has proven to be extremely challenging. Nowadays, we tend to use frequency‐based tests, which are also helpful in determining which texts we will be able to understand or which tasks we will be able to perform in the L2. Even if vocabulary size has been shown to be crucial for L2 proficiency and communication, large vocabularies are hard to master in foreign language contexts, and considerable individual variability has often been found among learners.

Contrast (vision) · Foreign language · Second language · Variation (astronomy) · Vocabulary

Tools

Open DOILibgen