The learnability of word knowledge aspects in Thai EFL high school learners

Abstract

This study investigated the learnability of multiple word knowledge aspects and the relationship between the word knowledge aspects. A total of 261 Thai high school students were measured on receptive and productive word knowledge aspects: word parts, the form-meaning link, and collocations. The current findings indicated that word parts are acquired first, followed by the form-meaning link and collocations, which suggest the receptive and productive continuum of learning word knowledge aspects. The present results also indicated an interdepended association between word knowledge aspects. Overall, the findings suggest receptive and productive knowledge of word knowledge aspects is an essential underpinning for vocabulary knowledge growth. Recommendations for future studies are also discussed.