A Study on the Correlation Between English Vocabulary Learning Strategies and Breadth of Vocabulary Knowledge on Elementary Chinese English Learners

Abstract

Vocabulary is the basic building block of language, and the acquisition of any language relies heavily on vocabulary knowledge. The use of vocabulary learning strategies is one of the main factors affecting vocabulary learning. In view of this, this study is an attempt to examine the correlation between the use of vocabulary learning strategies and breadth of vocabulary knowledge on elementary Chinese English learners. By ways of analyzing the data of the questionnaire and vocabulary level test, the author finds out that social/ affective strategy is the most popular strategy and is followed by metacognitive and cognitive strategies. A positive and significant correlation exists between these two variables and cognitive strategies have the most significant correlation among these three strategies. Based on these findings, elementary English learners are recommended to frequently use a variety of vocabulary learning strategies to increase vocabulary knowledge, especially cognitive strategies.