Hostname: page-component-8448b6f56d-mp689 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-04-24T22:30:10.769Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

INCIDENTAL VOCABULARY LEARNING THROUGH VIEWING VIDEO

THE ROLE OF VOCABULARY KNOWLEDGE AND WORKING MEMORY

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 January 2020

Maribel Montero Perez*
Affiliation:
KU Leuven
*
*Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Maribel Montero Perez, ITEC, imec Research Group at KU Leuven, KU Leuven, Etienne Sabbelaan 53, BE-8500 Kortrijk, Belgium. E-mail: maribel.monteroperez@kuleuven.be

Abstract

There is growing evidence that L2 learners pick up new words while viewing video but little is known about the role of individual differences. This study explores incidental learning after viewing a French documentary containing 15 pseudowords and investigates whether learning is moderated by participants’ prior vocabulary knowledge and working memory. Sixty-three higher-intermediate learners of French participated in this study. Prior vocabulary knowledge was measured by means of a French meaning recognition test. Participants also took a forward digit-span (phonological short-term memory), a backward digit-span, and an operation-span task (complex working memory). After viewing the video, four surprise vocabulary tests on form and meaning were administered. Results revealed that learning gains occurred at the level of form and meaning recognition. Vocabulary knowledge was positively related to picking up new words from video. Complex working memory correlated with the recognition tests showing more incidental learning gains for learners with higher complex working memory.

Type
Research Article
Open Practices
Open materials
Copyright
© Cambridge University Press 2020

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

Footnotes

The experiment in this article earned an Open Materials badge for transparent practices. The materials are available at https://www.iris-database.org/iris/app/home/detail?id=york:937077.

I would like to thank the editor and anonymous reviewers for their valuable comments and Elke Peters for her suggestions on an earlier draft of this article. I am also grateful to Bert Vandenberghe and Isabeau Fievez for helping me organize the data collection and Belén Fernández-Castilla for her help with the statistical analyses.

References

REFERENCES

Baddeley, A. D. (2000). The episodic buffer: A new component of working memory? Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 4, 417423.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Baddeley, A. D., & Hitch, G. J. (1974). Working memory. In Bower, G. (Ed.), The psychology of learning and motivation (pp. 4790). New York, NY: Academic Press.Google Scholar
Batista, R., & Horst, M. (2016). A new receptive vocabulary size test for French. Canadian Modern Language Review, 72, 211233.10.3138/cmlr.2820CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bisson, M.-J., van Heuven, W. J. B., Tunney, R. J., & Conklin, K. (2014). The role of repeated exposure to multimodal input in incidental acquisition of foreign language vocabulary. Language Learning, 64, 855877.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Brown, R., Waring, R., & Donkaewbua, S. (2008). Incidental vocabulary acquisition from reading, reading-while-listening, and listening to stories. Reading in a Foreign Language, 20, 136163.Google Scholar
Brunfaut, T., & Révész, A. (2015). The role of task and listener characteristics in second language listening. TESOL Quarterly, 49, 141168.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Cheung, H. (1996). Nonword span as a unique predictor of second-language vocabulary language. Developmental Psychology, 32, 867873.10.1037/0012-1649.32.5.867CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Cobb, T. (n.d.). Compleat Lexical Tutor (version 8) [online resource]. Retrieved from: http://www.lextutor.ca.Google Scholar
Daneman, M., & Carpenter, P. A. (1980). Individual differences in working memory and reading. Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 19, 450466.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
De Neys, W., D’Ydewalle, G., Schaeken, W., & Vos, G. (2002). A Dutch, computerized, and group administrable adaptation of the operation span test. Psychologica Belgica, 42, 177190.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Elgort, I., Perfetti, C. A., Rickles, B., & Stafura, J. Z. (2015). Contextual learning of L2 word meanings: Second language proficiency modulates behavioural and event-related brain potential (ERP) indicators of learning. Language, Cognition and Neuroscience, 30, 506528.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Elgort, I., Candry, S., Boutorwick, T. J., Eyckmans, J., & Brysbaert, M. (2018). Contextual word learning with form-focused and meaning-focused elaboration. Applied Linguistics, 39, 646667.Google Scholar
Ferrand, L., New, B., Brysbaert, M., Keuleers, E., Bonin, P., Méot, A., Augustinova, M., & Pallier, C. (2010). The French Lexicon Project: Lexical decision data for 38,840 French words and 38,840 pseudowords. Behavior Research Methods, 42, 488496.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Horst, M., Cobb, T., & Meara, P. (1998). Beyond A Clockwork Orange: Acquiring second language vocabulary through reading. Reading in a Foreign Language, 11, 207223.Google Scholar
Hulstijn, J. H. (2001). Intentional and incidental second language vocabulary learning: A reappraisal of elaboration, rehearsal and automaticity. In Robinson, P. (Ed.), Cognition and second language instruction (pp. 258286). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Juffs, A., & Harrington, M. (2011). Aspects of working memory in L2 learning. Language Teaching, 44, 137166.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Kormos, J., & Sáfár, A. (2008). Phonological short-term memory, working memory and foreign language performance in intensive language learning. Bilingualism: Language and Cognition, 11, 261271.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Laufer, B. (2005). Focus on form in second language vocabulary learning. In Foster-Cohen, S. H., Garcia-Mayo, M., & Cenoz, J. (Eds.), Eurosla yearbook (Vol. 5, pp. 223250). Amsterdam, The Netherlands: John Benjamins.Google Scholar
Laufer, B., & Aviad-Levitzky, T. (2017). What type of vocabulary knowledge predicts reading comprehension: Word meaning recall or word meaning recognition? The Modern Language Journal, 101, 729741.Google Scholar
Laufer, B., & Ravenhorst-Kalovski, G. C. (2010). Lexical threshold revisited: Lexical text coverage, learners’ vocabulary size and reading comprehension. Reading in a Foreign Language, 22, 1530.Google Scholar
Laufer, B., & Rozovski-Roitblat, B. (2015). Retention of new words: Quantity of encounters, quality of task, and degree of knowledge. Language Teaching Research, 19, 687711.10.1177/1362168814559797CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Mackey, A., & Sachs, R. (2012). Older learners in SLA research: A first look at working memory, feedback, and L2 development. Language Learning, 62, 704740.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Martin, K. I., & Ellis, N. C. (2012). The roles of phonological short-term memory and working memory in L2 grammar and vocabulary learning. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 34, 379413.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Masoura, E. V, & Gathercole, S. E. (2005). Contrasting contributions of phonological short-term memory and long-term knowledge to vocabulary learning in a foreign language. Memory, 13, 422429.Google Scholar
Matthews, J. (2018). Vocabulary for listening: Emerging evidence for high and mid-frequency vocabulary knowledge. System, 72, 2336.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Milton, J., Wade, J., & Hopkins, N. (2010). Aural word recognition and oral competence in English as a foreign language. In Chacón-Beltrán, R., Abello-Contesse, C., & Torreblanca-López, M. M. (Eds.), Insights into non-native vocabulary teaching and learning (pp. 8398). Clevedon, UK: Multilingual Matters.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Montero Perez, M., Peters, E., & Desmet, P. (2018). Vocabulary learning through viewing video: The effect of two enhancement techniques. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 31, 126.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Montero Perez, M., Peters, E., Clarebout, G., & Desmet, P. (2014). Effects of captioning on video comprehension and incidental vocabulary learning. Language Learning & Technology, 18, 118141.Google Scholar
Nation, I. S. P. (2006). How large a vocabulary is needed for reading and listening? Language, 63, 5981.Google Scholar
Nation, I. S. P., & Webb, S. (2011). Researching and analyzing vocabulary. Boston, MA: Heinle.Google Scholar
O’Brien, I., Segalowitz, N., Freed, B., & Collentine, J. (2007). Phonological memory predicts second language fluency gains in adults. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 29, 557582.Google Scholar
Papagno, C., & Vallar, G. (1992). Phonological short-term memory and the learning of novel words: The effect of phonological similarity and item length. The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 44, 4767.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Pellicer-Sánchez, A. (2016). Incidental L2 vocabulary acquisition from and while reading. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 38, 97130.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Pellicer-Sánchez, A. (2017). Learning L2 collocations incidentally from reading. Language Teaching Research, 21, 381402.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Peng, C. J., Lee, K. L., & Ingersoll, G. M. (2002). An introduction to logistic regression analysis and reporting. The Journal of Educational Research, 96, 314.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Peters, E. (2018). The effect of out-of-class exposure to English language media on learners’ vocabulary knowledge. ITL International Journal of Applied Linguistics, 169, 142168.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Peters, E., & Webb, S. (2018). Incidental vocabulary acquisition through viewing L2 television and factors that affect learning. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 40, 551577.10.1017/S0272263117000407CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Peters, E., Heynen, E., & Puimège, E. (2016). Learning vocabulary through audiovisual input: The differential effect of L1 subtitles and captions. System, 63, 134148.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Pigada, M., & Schmitt, N. (2006). Vocabulary acquisition from extensive reading: A case study. Reading in a Foreign Language, 18, 128.Google Scholar
Révész, A. (2012). Working memory and the observed effectiveness of recasts on different L2 outcome measures. Language Learning, 62, 93132.10.1111/j.1467-9922.2011.00690.xCrossRefGoogle Scholar
Robinson, P. (2001). Individual differences, cognitive abilities, aptitude complexes and learning conditions in second language acquisition. Second Language Research, 17, 368392.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Rodgers, M. P. H. (2013). English language learning through viewing television: An investigation of comprehension, incidental vocabulary acquisition, lexical coverage, attitudes, and captions (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). Wellington, NZ: Victoria University of Wellington.Google Scholar
Rodgers, M. P. H. (2018). The images in television programs and the potential for learning unknown words. ITL International Journal of Applied Linguistics, 169, 191211.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Rodgers, M. P. H., & Webb, S. (2019). Incidental vocabulary learning through viewing television. ITL International Journal of Applied Linguistics. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1075/itl.18034.rodGoogle Scholar
Rott, S. (1999). The effect of exposure frequency on intermediate language learners’ incidental vocabulary acquisition and retention through reading. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 21, 589619.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Sanz, C., Lin, H.-J., Lado, B., Stafford, C. A., & Bowden, H. W. (2014). One size fits all? Learning conditions and working memory capacity in ab initio language development. Applied Linguistics, 37, 669692.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Sonbul, S., & Schmitt, N. (2013). Explicit and implicit lexical knowledge: Acquisition of collocations under different input conditions. Language Learning, 63, 121159.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Speciale, G., Ellis, N. C., & Bywater, T. (2004). Phonological sequence learning and short-term store capacity determine second language vocabulary acquisition. Applied Psycholinguistics, 25, 293321.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Staehr, L. S. (2009). Vocabulary knowledge and advanced listening comprehension in English as a foreign language. Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 31, 577607.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Sydorenko, T. (2010). Modality of input and vocabulary acquisition. Language Learning & Technology, 14, 5073.Google Scholar
Tagarelli, K. M., Borges Mota, M., & Rebuschat, P. (2015). Working memory, learning context, and the acquisition of L2 syntax. In Wen, Z., Borges Mota, M., & McNeill, A. (Eds.), Working memory in second language acquisition and processing (pp. 224–247). Bristol, UK: Multilingual Matters.Google Scholar
Turner, M. L., & Engle, R. W. (1989). Is working-capacity task-dependent? Journal of Memory and Language, 28, 127–54.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
van Zeeland, H., & Schmitt, N. (2012). Lexical coverage in L1 and L2 listening comprehension: The same or different from reading comprehension? Applied Linguistics, 33, 124.Google Scholar
Webb, S. (2007). The effects of repetition on vocabulary knowledge. Applied Linguistics, 28, 4665.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Webb, S. (2015). Extensive viewing: Language learning through watching television. In D. Nunan & J. C. Richards (Eds.), Language learning beyond the classroom (pp. 159168). New York, NY: Routledge.Google Scholar
Webb, S., & Chang, A. C.-S. (2015). How does prior word knowledge affect vocabulary learning progress in an extensive reading program? Studies in Second Language Acquisition, 37, 651675.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Webb, S., & Nation, I. S. P. (2017). How vocabulary is learned. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.Google Scholar
Webb, S., & Rodgers, M. P. H. (2009). Vocabulary demands of television programs. Language Learning, 59, 335366.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Wen, Z., Borges Mota, M., & McNeill, A. (2015). Working memory in second language acquisition and processing. Bristol, UK: Multilingual Matters.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Winke, P., Gass, S., & Sydorenko, T. (2010). The effects of captioning videos used for foreign language listening activities. Language Learning & Technology, 14, 6586.Google Scholar
Supplementary material: File

Montero Perez supplementary material

Appendices A-E

Download Montero Perez supplementary material(File)
File 29.8 KB