GOING BACK TO BASICS: A REVIEW ON THE USE OF ENGLISH NEWSPAPER TO DEVELOP VOCABULARY KNOWLEDGE FOR ESL/EFL STUDENTS

Abstract

For English language learners, developing vocabulary knowledge is considered as one of the important and vital aspects of the language learning process. Having a good repertoire of vocabulary knowledge is necessary in order to understand any form of text. However, one of the prominent difficulties that the ESL/EFL students often face is the lack of ability in developing their vocabulary knowledge. In Malaysia, one of the ways to tackle this matter is through great emphasis on leisure reading habits. It is reported by Menon (2019) that between the year 2021 and 2030, the Ministry of Education Malaysia is taking measures in order to transform Malaysia into a reading nation. However, these efforts tend to focus more on the use of digital technology to improve teaching and learning, while at the same time unfortunately put aside the use of more traditional English language teaching and learning materials, such as newspapers. In fact, newspapers are one of the most useful and promising resources readily available for both teachers and students as a motivating medium in encouraging and stimulating to learn English and develop their vocabulary. Newspapers are also quite accessible to those from low socio-economic background who are less fortunate to have access to technological gadgets. Printed media, such as newspapers, are an excellent teaching and learning aid for both the teachers and the students. Therefore, in this review paper, the authors will explain about the concept of leisure reading, the use of newspaper as a form of leisure reading, and review of past studies on the use of English newspapers in developing ESL/EFL students’ vocabulary knowledge. It is hoped that this article can shed light on the benefits and potential of the use of English newspaper in developing vocabulary knowledge and that it will not be forsaken as one of the more effective and accessible resources in developing ESL/EFL students’ vocabulary knowledge.