Core and Networking in L2 Lexical Teaching in an Input-Poor Context

Masanobu Sato,Shigenori Tanaka

doi:10.4236/ojml.2014.45058

Abstract

This paper discusses problems in developing L2 lexical competence in an input-poor environment, and suggests what we can do so as to minimize the negative effects of those problems on L2 lexical learning. As an unavoidable problem, we discussed a learner strategy unequivocally used by Japanese students when learning the meaning of a new word. To enhance L2 lexical learning, we suggested that lexical core, combined with the notion of network building, has a lot of pedagogical potential. With two cases (the preposition on, and the basic verbs of communication), we demonstrated how the core schema of a lexical item(s) becomes a common thread that weaves both intra-lexical and inter-lexical networks.

Highlights

CLT or communicative language teaching, which highlights the engagement of L2 learners in communication, has been practiced worldwide (Littlewood, 1981; Savignon, 2000)
We argue that the idea expressed here, or what we call “the lexical core hypothesis”, is valid when it applies to verbal and prepositional polysemy, in that the meaning of a verb or a preposition is a function of the values of the arguments it takes
Intra-lexical networking requires a common thread, that is, lexical core, which links the different usages of a word

Summary

Introduction

CLT or communicative language teaching, which highlights the engagement of L2 learners in communication, has been practiced worldwide (Littlewood, 1981; Savignon, 2000). It makes use of real-life situations that naturally necessitate communication; it lets learners engage in communication by instructing them to do so-called “task-based activities” and “content-based activities” (Richards, 2001; Ellis, 2003; Brown, 2007; Brandl, 2008). We take it that good explicit instruction enhances “awareness-raising” (Sharwood-Smith, 1981) and “network-building” (Crossley, Salsbury, & McNamara, 2010) on the part of language learners. Lexical core leads students to raise their awareness about the meaning of a word and to guide them in the task of network building. We discuss why we need lexical core, and how lexical core works in lexical networking

The Problem in L2 Lexical Development

A Solution

Lexical Core as a Guiding Principle of Lexical Networking

Inter-Lexical Network

Conclusion