《英语专业毕业论文-School of Polytechnic》.doc

1. Introduction 1.1. Importance of Vocabulary in Second Language Learning Vocabulary learning is an important aspect of second language learning. Vocabulary learning, however, got little attention during the 1950s and 1960s and was a neglected part of second language learning. During the 1970s, research into vocabulary learning began to grow in applied linguistics and increasingly has become a focus of much research at present. The role of vocabulary memorizing has changed completely, as Maiguashca(1993) stated that the study of vocabulary has changed from being the “poor relation” of second language education in the past into the role of “guest of honor” at present. The researchers have attached great importance to vocabulary with the enhancement of the status of vocabulary learning. Wilkins (1972) (cited from Lessard-Clouston 1996), for example, pointed out “while without grammar very little can be conveyed, without vocabulary nothing can be conveyed”. Krashen and Terrell (1983) also clearly indicated “vocabulary is of prime concern in L2 settings because it plays a dominant role in classroom success”. In a word, it is obvious now that the good grasp of a large number of words is an essential component of second language acquisition and learners, therefore, must master large vocabularies in order to get a good proficiency in second language learning. 1.2. Necessity of Vocabulary Memorizing Strategies With the tendency of globalization and China’s entry into the WTO, the significant role of English has become more evident. At the same time, English vocabulary memorizing plays a very important role in “how to learn English” well. For most Chinese learners, English vocabulary has always been their top concern as well as their big headache on which they spend a lot of time. In order to help them study English vocabulary more effectively and efficiently, it is necessary to explore learning strategies they actually use in their English vocabulary learning process.