The Effectiveness of Concordancing on Vocabulary Learning: EFL Intermediate-level Learners in focus

Subject Areas : آموزش زبان انگلیسی

Ali Bahremand ¹ , Mahnam Saeid ² , Neda Fatehi Rad ^{3 *}

1 - Department of English Language, Kerman Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran
2 - Department of English Language, Kerman Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran
3 - Department of English Language, Kerman Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran

Received: 2023-07-07 Accepted : 2025-01-21 Published : 2025-01-17

Keywords: Corpus Linguistics, Concordancing, Vocabulary Teaching, CALL, Data-Driven Learning,

Abstract :

Corpus linguistics has developed a new avenue of research in the field of language teaching. One important aspect of corpora is concordancing. Drawing on the concept of concordance, this study aimed to explore whether concordancing can effectively improve the vocabulary learning and retention of Persian EFL learners. To this end, 50 homogenous learners were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Vocabulary pre-test and post-test, and interviews were employed to collect the data. The results of this mixed method study revealed a statistically significant difference between the control and experimental groups on post-test scores; furthermore, the experimental group’s retention of these items was weaker in the delayed post-test. Finally, the results of interviews showed that this approach increased learners' enjoyment and interest in learning, led to a greater appreciation of particular uses of words in various contexts, enhanced learners' command of the target language's linguistic rules and patterns, facilitated the development of autonomy, and improved learners' language awareness.

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