Solving the Vocabulary Retention Problem

Abstract

The main problem in learning foreign language vocabulary is retention. There exists a considerable amount of evidence pointing to the superiority of mnemonic techniques over rote repetition in the learning of verbal material. An investigation was carried out comparing the learning of FL vocabulary in three different conditions : (1) making formal and semantic links with known words (2) making verbal links of a solemy semantic nature (3) using habitual methods. The first experimental group demonstrated superiority, although scores were not significant on an anamysis of variance. Indications were given by the data that training and encouragement in the use of formal and semantic verbal association will lead to better vocabulary retention.