Learning Foreign Language Vocabulary - The Fundamentals

Summary

This video script discusses the complexities of vocabulary acquisition for language learners, emphasizing the variety of word types and the importance of context in learning. It highlights the significance of cognates, high-frequency words, and idiomatic expressions, and warns against relying solely on one-to-one translations. The speaker introduces general principles and techniques for effective vocabulary learning, such as leveraging prior knowledge, using flashcards for active engagement, consuming comprehensible input, and practicing pushed output to refine language skills and avoid plateauing.

Takeaways

• 📚 The average adult native speaker knows about 10,000 words in their native language, but the definition of a word can vary.
• 🔍 Vocabulary acquisition for foreign language learners involves understanding different types of words, including cognates, false cognates, and words with simple translations.
• 🔑 High-frequency and cognate words are easier to learn compared to abstract, low-frequency, false cognates, and words without equivalence.
• 🌐 One-to-one translations are often deceptive; languages express meaning differently, and vocabulary learning should consider chunks of words and phrases.
• 📈 Vocabulary extends beyond individual words to include idiomatic expressions and frequently used phrases, which are essential for understanding natural language use.
• 🤔 The depth of vocabulary knowledge varies; it's not just about recognizing words but also about using them appropriately in context.
• 🧠 Leveraging prior knowledge aids in vocabulary acquisition; learning new words becomes easier when they relate to what one already knows.
• 📝 Learning words by examples in relevant contexts is more effective than memorizing definitions alone, as it provides a better understanding of usage.
• 📚 Flashcards can be a useful tool for vocabulary learning, especially when they prompt the learner to use words in sentences or contexts.
• 🎧 Comprehensible input, such as reading and listening to material slightly above one's current level, helps in learning vocabulary in a natural context.
• 🗣️ Pushed output, or using newly learned words in realistic contexts and getting feedback, is crucial for advancing language skills and avoiding plateaus.

Q & A

What is the estimated average vocabulary size for an adult native speaker in their native language?

The average adult native speaker is estimated to know about 10,000 words in their native language, depending on the definition of a word.

What are cognates and how do they relate to vocabulary acquisition for language learners?

Cognates are words that are the same and mean the same in both languages. They can be easier for language learners to acquire since they can leverage their existing knowledge of their native language.

Can you explain the concept of false cognates and how they might confuse language learners?

False cognates are words that appear similar to a word in the learner's native language but have a different meaning. For example, 'support' in Spanish actually means 'to tolerate', not 'to support', which can lead to confusion.

What is the difference between high-frequency and low-frequency words in terms of vocabulary acquisition?

High-frequency words are used often in listening, reading, and speaking, and are learned quickly. Low-frequency words are not encountered as often and may be needed in specific settings, making them harder to learn.

Why is it not effective to rely solely on one-to-one translations when learning a new language?

Languages express meaning differently, and relying on one-to-one translations can be deceptive for many words. It's more helpful to think in terms of chunks of words or phrases that often come up together.

What is the importance of understanding idiomatic expressions and phrases in vocabulary acquisition?

Idiomatic expressions and frequently used phrases are important because they represent common patterns of expression. Understanding these can enhance a learner's ability to use language naturally.

How does the concept of 'chunks' of words relate to vocabulary learning?

Thinking in terms of 'chunks' of words or phrases that often occur together can be more effective in learning a language, as it reflects how language is naturally used and understood.

Why is it beneficial to learn words by examples in relevant contexts rather than just by definitions?

Learning words by examples in relevant contexts provides a better understanding of how the word is used in everyday conversation and the appropriate times to use it, rather than just knowing its dictionary definition.

What is the role of 'pushed output' in language learning and vocabulary acquisition?

'Pushed output' involves extending what has been learned through flashcards or comprehensible input into real-world contexts. It helps learners test new words and constructions and receive feedback, which can improve their language skills.

How can leveraging prior knowledge assist in vocabulary acquisition for language learners?

Leveraging prior knowledge can make words easier to learn if the learner already knows something about them. For example, understanding a root word can make learning related words easier.

What are some techniques mentioned in the script for effective vocabulary acquisition in language learning?

The script mentions using flashcards in a way that prompts learners to work with the word, engaging in reading and listening to comprehensible input, and practicing 'pushed output' to test new words in realistic contexts.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Understanding Vocabulary Acquisition

This paragraph discusses the complexity of vocabulary acquisition for language learners. It highlights the variety of word types, such as cognates, false cognates, simple translations, high and low frequency words, abstract and concrete words, and words with or without clear divisions. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that vocabulary learning is not just about memorizing words but also about understanding how they are used in context, including idiomatic expressions and phrases. The paragraph also touches on the idea that some words may not translate directly between languages and that thinking in terms of one-to-one translations can be deceptive.

05:01

🔍 Levels of Vocabulary Knowledge and Learning Principles

The second paragraph delves into the different levels of vocabulary knowledge, from simple recognition to the ability to use words in nuanced and creative ways. It stresses the importance of leveraging prior knowledge when learning new words, as this can significantly ease the learning process. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about learning Chinese characters to illustrate the principle of building on existing knowledge. The paragraph also emphasizes the importance of learning words through examples and relevant contexts rather than just definitions, as this provides a more accurate understanding of how words are used in everyday language.

10:02

📚 Techniques for Effective Vocabulary Learning

This paragraph outlines three techniques for effective vocabulary learning: using flashcards, engaging with comprehensible input, and practicing pushed output. Flashcards are recommended for words with clear one-to-one mappings but should be used in a way that encourages active use of the word in sentences. Comprehensible input involves exposure to language that is slightly above the learner's current level, allowing for natural vocabulary acquisition through context. Pushed output is the process of testing new words and constructions in real-world situations to gauge understanding and receive feedback. The speaker advises moving beyond flashcards quickly to see words in context and to keep exploring the language to avoid plateauing.

15:02

🌐 Additional Resources for Language Learning

The final paragraph provides recommendations for further insights into language learning, specifically for those interested in learning Chinese. The speaker suggests checking out two language learning channels that offer valuable information and discussions on language learning strategies and research applications. The paragraph concludes with an invitation to join the conversation and a thank you for watching the video.

Keywords

💡Vocabulary acquisition

Vocabulary acquisition refers to the process of learning and internalizing new words in a language. In the video, it is central to the theme as the speaker discusses various strategies for foreign language learners to expand their vocabulary. The concept is exemplified by the speaker's observation that an average adult native speaker knows about 10,000 words, highlighting the challenge for learners to achieve a comparable level of lexical knowledge.

💡Cognates

Cognates are words that have the same meaning and similar form in two languages. The script uses 'computa' in Japanese as an example, which is a cognate to 'computer' in English. They are important in vocabulary learning as they can facilitate the recognition and memorization of new words due to their familiar structure and meaning.

💡False cognates

False cognates are words that appear similar across languages but have different meanings. The video script mentions 'support' in Spanish, which actually means 'to tolerate', and 'lectura' which means 'a reading' instead of 'a lecture'. These words can be misleading for language learners and require careful attention to avoid confusion.

💡High-frequency words

High-frequency words are those commonly used in everyday language. The speaker notes that these words are encountered often and thus learned quickly. They are integral to language proficiency and are a focal point for vocabulary acquisition strategies discussed in the video.

💡Low-frequency words

Low-frequency words are less commonly used and may be needed in specific settings. The script points out that these words are not frequently encountered but are essential for full language mastery. Learning these words often requires different strategies compared to high-frequency ones.

💡Abstract words

Abstract words represent concepts that are not concrete or tangible. The video mentions that abstract words can be more challenging to learn because their meanings are not easily derived from the word's structure or parts. Understanding abstract words often requires deeper engagement with the language.

💡Concrete words

Concrete words refer to objects or concepts that can be physically perceived or experienced. The script contrasts these with abstract words, noting that concrete words are often easier to learn because their meanings can be directly associated with tangible things or experiences.

💡One-to-one translations

One-to-one translations suggest a direct correspondence between words in two languages. The video warns against relying on this concept, as languages express meaning differently and not all words have a direct equivalent. This idea is crucial for understanding the complexity of vocabulary learning and the need for a nuanced approach.

💡Comprehensible input

Comprehensible input is a language acquisition theory positing that learners acquire language by understanding messages in the language. The script emphasizes the importance of this concept, suggesting that learners should engage with material slightly above their current level to gradually expand their vocabulary.

💡Flashcards

Flashcards are a learning tool used to memorize and review vocabulary. The video discusses the traditional use of flashcards for vocabulary with direct translations and suggests more effective methods, such as using flashcards to prompt sentence construction, which aligns with the goal of natural language use.

💡Pushed output

Pushed output refers to the practice of using newly learned language in real-world contexts to test comprehension and fluency. The script describes it as an essential technique for language learners to apply their knowledge beyond controlled study environments, ensuring practical language proficiency.

Highlights

Adult native speakers are estimated to know about 10,000 words in their native language.

Different kinds of vocabulary exist, including cognates, false cognates, and words with simple one-to-one translations.

High-frequency words and cognates are easier to learn compared to abstract words, low-frequency words, and false cognates.

Vocabulary learning should not rely on one-to-one translations, but rather on understanding chunks of words and phrases.

Vocabulary acquisition goes beyond individual words to include idiomatic expressions and frequently used phrases.

Different levels of vocabulary knowledge exist, from mere recognition to the ability to use words with irony or in jokes.

Leveraging prior knowledge facilitates easier vocabulary learning.

Learning words by examples in relevant contexts is more effective than learning by dictionary definitions alone.

Flashcards can be used effectively for words with clear one-to-one mappings, but should prompt further engagement with the word.

Comprehensible input involves listening or reading material slightly beyond one's current level to encounter new vocabulary naturally.

Pushing output involves testing new vocabulary in realistic contexts and receiving feedback from native speakers.

Avoiding plateauing in language learning requires continuous exploration and practice with new vocabulary.

Root words in Indo-European languages, similar to radicals in Chinese, provide a foundation for learning related words.

Understanding the parts of a word can help in educated guessing of its meaning, especially when encountering new words.

The importance of learning not just the dictionary definition but also the usage and context of words.

Using apps like Pleco for Chinese language learning can provide examples that illustrate word usage beyond definitions.

The significance of learning vocabulary in chunks and patterns rather than in isolation.

The transcript suggests further insights into language learning through recommended channels and podcasts.

Transcripts

researchers estimate that the average

adult native speaker knows about 10,000

words in their native language depending

on how you define a word so how do we as

foreign language Learners acquire all of

that vocabulary before I talk about

specific techniques I want to make a

couple of observations and talk general

principles first observation there are

different kinds of vocabulary words

there's cognates words that the same and

mean the same in both languages so

computa for instance in Japanese means

computer at least last time I checked

there are false cognates like support in

Spanish which seems like it should mean

to support but it actually means to

tolerate or lectura in Spanish which

seems like it should mean a lecture but

it actually means a reading there are

words with simple onetoone translations

that you can use pretty much in the same

way that you use the word in English

like the word CA in Spanish meaning

chair in English as far as I know you

can pretty much use that just like you

use the word chair there are high

frequency words words that you use all

the time if you're listening reading

speaking you're going to be using these

words and you're going to learn them

pretty quickly and there are low

frequency words words that you don't

encounter very often but maybe you need

in a particular setting or a particular

circumstance but you know you just don't

come across them very often there are

abstract words and concrete words there

are words where the meaning can be

derived from the different parts and

there are words where it's impossible to

do that it's just a big chunk and you

can't figure out what the word means

just from looking at the word how easily

you learn a word and even how you should

learn a word depends a little bit on the

kind of word it is highfrequency words

and cognates are going to be very very

easy to learn to come across abstract

words low frequency words false cognates

words without equivalence

all of these are going to be a little

bit harder to learn and you might

consider doing something a little bit

different to learn them there are words

that don't map cleanly on to the

divisions that we have in English a word

like take in English for instance has

such a wide variety of different uses

you can take a walk you can take that

bag you can take a hike you can take a

photo you can take something for granted

so if you're learning English as a

foreign language take is not a word that

is going to fall cleanly within the

divisions of words that you have in your

language this brings me to an important

principle thinking in terms of onetoone

translations is usually not a good thing

it can work for basic nouns but

languages just Express meaning in

different ways and relying on one toone

translations or thinking that vocabulary

is about one toone translations is

deceptive for a lot of different words

it's a little more helpful to think in

terms of chunks of words together words

that often come up together or words

that are used in the same kind of phrase

or certain construction that comes up

frequently which brings me to another

observation vocabulary goes beyond words

there are idiomatic expressions like

take for granted that we just looked at

there's uh frequently used phrases or

constructions like it's hard to do

something it's easy to do something and

an individual word might occur with

other words very frequently so if we

think about the word chew for instance

probably are going to be using words

like food or bite or easy to chew or

hard to chew or something the likelihood

of hearing those words goes up if you

hear the word chew and just knowing the

dictionary meaning of the word is not

the same as knowing how that word is

used knowing that one of of the meanings

of the word hard in English is difficult

doesn't necessarily tell you that the

phrase hard to do something is a pretty

common occurrence it's hard to hit it's

hard to catch it's hard to learn it's

hard to avoid I guess to repeat what

I've already said twice now maybe it's

not just individual words that we need

to focus on it's patterns of the

expression a lot of times you can

understand how to use an overall

expression but not know what the

individual words might mean in that

expression even in the expression take

for granted for instance if you told me

to explain why take for granted means

what it does as a native English speaker

I would have a hard time saying that I

just use it because I know what the

meaning of the phrase is and I think

that the the people who are listening to

me talking know what the meaning of the

phrase is but expressions of meaning do

not always need to be individually

picked apart to death okay third

observation there are different levels

of vocabulary knowledge people will say

things like I know a 100 vocabulary

words but that is a very simplistic way

of talking and thinking now maybe you

can only recognize a word if you see it

and then remember what it means maybe

you know the rough English equivalent

without prompting maybe you can use it

correctly and in some example sentences

maybe you're skilled at using it at

socially appropriate times maybe you can

use it with irony or in jokes or in

combination with other words to express

new Concepts maybe you knew the word at

one point and have forgotten it

completely but it'll be easy to learn

the word again maybe you never learned

the word before but you can quickly

figure out what it means because you

understand the parts of the word and

what their likely meanings are so you

can kind of make an educated guess as to

what the word means maybe I've said this

more than once already but it's not

about just remembering the dictionary

definition of the word it's about de

deepening your skills at using words and

patterns of words to express meaning

back two principles again you should

leverage prior knowledge if you can now

earlier I talked about a word being

easier to use because of something about

the word itself but how easy a word is

to learn also has something to do with

the learner right words are easier to

learn if we already know something about

them to begin with let me tell you a

quick story when I was first learning

Chinese I would see a new word get

excited and put it in my handy dandy

flashcard app I was on the street and I

saw someone with a hat that

said now this combination of sounds and

these characters mean Jesus Christ and

so I was like oh cool I'll put that in

my flash card app and that's cool as the

flash card came up again and again I

would frequently forget what these words

meant I had struggled with the

characters I just struggled remembering

this and part of the problem was that

basically every one of these characters

is new to me I knew a little bit of

pieces of some of them and I don't use

the words Jesus Christ that often in in

in everyday conversation when I I was

living in Taiwan I don't use them in

English not often either so trying to

learn the words jidu yesu it was

probably not a good idea for me at that

time because I didn't have that much

prior knowledge I had to learn all of

these four characters as a chunk just to

learn one new word but I was also having

conversations with other people and I

learned a similar word chuao chuao is

Christianity in Chinese for some reason

this word was a lot easier to learn than

J yesu I already knew that there was a

general format of having some characters

with Jiao at the end and that meaning a

religion so Jiao made sense to me also I

already knew Jia Jia is a character I

already knew pretty well and so really

I'm only learning like two new

characters so before all of the

characters are new I'm trying to learn

all these four characters at once but in

theu situation not only do I understand

why the characters are arranged the way

they are but only 2third of the

characters are new to me this is what

I'm talking about when I when I'm saying

develop vocabulary based on what you

already know I wish I would have gone

back in time and been like hey man don't

put J yesu in your flash card app you

don't need that you're never going to

talk about that wait until it becomes

relevant to

you wait until you already know if I

learned Jiao first then J yesu becomes

that much easier to learn now in many

Indo-European languages and probably a

lot of other languages I'm not really

sure root words serve the same kind of

function that radicals and characters

might serve in in a Chinese or in

Japanese for instance bicycle cyclical

Cyclone tricycle unicycle right all

those are using the psych route so

there's something similar about them if

you know a couple of them then learning

the next one is that much easier you

don't have to learn everything from

scratch again another principle that I

think is important here learn words by

examples in relevant contexts not by

definition only people act sometimes

like knowing the dictionary definition

of the word is what knowing a word

actually means but the dictionary

definition is just a best guess

approximation of the meaning of the word

uh it doesn't really tell you how the

word is used in everyday conversation

and where are appropriate times to use

the word does it sound like you're from

the 18th century if you use this word

does it sound like you are a member of

the upper cross does it sound like

you're a heathen you know what does it

sound like an app like pleco for Chinese

language learning has a lot of examples

that come with the definitions and those

examples are really really helpful a lot

of times I go to the examples first to

see how the word is being used and then

the dictionary definition is kind of

unnecessary by that point we've made

some observations we've talked about

principles now I'm going to talk about

three different techniques in language

learning and how to use these techniques

so the first as you might guess is

flashcards so basic flashcards are good

for words that have very clear onetoone

mappings from one language to the other

but if you just use them in a basic way

like I put the word on the front side

and I put the dictionary definition on

another and that's my primary source of

learning

vocabulary I don't think it's going to

be all that effective for you another

way of using flashcards would be to

prompt you to work with the word so

let's say you get a flash card with a

new word on it and you have to use that

word in a sentence you write a couple

sentences with that word or you take a a

bunch of words coming up the sentences

and saying them with that word in them

or with that construction in them that

involves practicing a skill that's much

closer to the skill that you want to

acquire which is to be able to use words

naturally to express meaning instead in

of using words as cues you can also use

topics or situations as cues like hey

you're here at the doctor's office what

words are going to come up at the

doctor's office what are useful

constructions at the doctor's office

maybe come up with a handful of

sentences that you're going to explain

to the doctor that you're sick this is a

more free recall style of retrieval

which I think is going to benefit you

more than just doing the cued recall of

a standard basic flash card but but

whatever the method ideally you want to

be going beyond the flashcards very very

quickly you want to be seeing those

words in context so you want to be

reading material with those Target words

in them you want to be using those words

in conversation with other people if

you're not using the words then having

them in your flashcard app is kind of

not it's not really serving you that

well second strategy reading and

listening to a lot of comprehensible

input has got to be part of the strategy

comprehensible input if you don't

already know is listening or reading to

stuff that is just a little bit beyond

your current level so where you

understand most of what you are hearing

there's going to be some new vocabulary

words some new constructions but getting

to the level where you can read

something or listen to something and

understand you know 80% 90% of what you

are hearing is ideally what you want to

be shooting for and there are so many

advantages to using comprehensible input

to learn a language learn the

constructions and the new vocabulary

words you're encountering words in their

natural contexts where they commonly

co-occur with other words in a situation

that is appropriate for them you're

learning words through examples and not

through definitions often you can figure

out a tentative meaning from Context and

then you might look up that word to see

further examples of of the word in use

you can always learn more about the word

later you don't have to learn everything

about every new word that you encounter

with comprehensible input words come up

naturally in groups and chunks and so

often you are using prior knowledge as

part of the learning process to

understand the words and constructions

more deeply but you also want to be

testing out new words and new

constructions as much as possible in

what's called pushed output and this is

where you extend what you've been

learning through flashcards or through

comprehensible input or some mixture of

courses and stuff that you're taking

into the real world into realistic

contexts and seeing the response that

you get from people you're not just

copying and repeating what you've read

you're using words to express meaning

and then you get to see the response

from other people about what you've said

are they giving you funny looks do they

understand what you said are they

rephrasing what you said using other

more appropriate vocabulary words are

they replying to the wrong question is

there some miscommunication going on the

goal here is to avoid plateauing it's to

avoid defaulting to the same words the

same phrases that you use all the time

advancing your language skills means you

have to keep exploring the language and

playing with it the more cycles that you

get of this process of learning new

words or chunks of words trying to learn

from examples and moving from what you

already know and then expressing those

words in realistic contexts the smoother

the vocabulary acquisition is going to

go for more insights into language

learning and especially if you're trying

to learn Chinese check out these two

language learning channels here I talk

to William Hart who runs a great channel

on on Chinese language learning and here

I talk to Daniel of the chinese's hard

podcast on uh learning forign languages

and trying to apply the research on

learning to language learning check it

out it's a great conversation that we

have and I'll see you next time thanks

for watching