Can strategic reading enhance vocabulary acquisition in a second language? This article delves into the impact of lexical processing strategies (LPSs) on vocabulary learning through reading, making it a must-read for language educators. The study explores how L2 learners utilize strategies like ignoring, consulting, and inferring when faced with unfamiliar words, revealing insights into effective pedagogical techniques. Utilizing a time-series design with repeated measures, researchers gathered introspective data from Francophone university students over five months. This allowed them to identify LPS usage patterns and assess their effectiveness through cued recall tasks, which measured word retention rates. The data highlights the role of explicit instruction on lexical processing strategy in enhancing word retention. Findings show a clear potential for vocabulary growth via strategic reading, with some LPSs proving more effective than others. This research calls for a reevaluation of current pedagogic practices and offers a deeper understanding of how learners can maximize vocabulary acquisition through thoughtful engagement with texts. It emphasizes the importance of equipping learners with effective strategies for independent language learning and highlights the potential for vocabulary acquisition through reading.
Published in Studies in Second Language Acquisition, a leading journal in applied linguistics, this article significantly contributes to the understanding of second language acquisition processes. It aligns with the journal's focus on empirical studies and theoretical advancements in language learning and teaching, particularly regarding vocabulary development and reading comprehension strategies.