Vocabulary

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Speakers of a language have two basic levels of vocabulary: recognition and general use. Recognition vocabulary refers to those words which we recognize when we see them, even though we may not know the precise definitions. General-use vocabulary consists of those words which we know and use consistently in speaking and writing. The goal of vocabulary building at the university level, therefore, is two-fold: to transfer words from the recognition level to the general-use level and to add new words to the recognition level that will later be transferred.

There are numerous ways to approach vocabulary building. Some effective ways follow.

Learn Words from Context

If you encounter a word without a dictionary handy, sometimes you can learn what you need to about the word from the way the word is used in the sentence. Much of our vocabulary is learned this way. Be careful, however—using this method alone won't help you get these words into the general category because you don't learn the precise definition. Without that definition, you may misuse the word later.

Look Up Words

When building your vocabulary, consistently research words that you encounter in your daily reading. The Oxford English Dictionary is a helpful tool for looking up both archaic and recently-coined vocabulary words. It can be accessed through the Harold B. Lee Library website in the "All Resources" section or at http://dictionary.oed.com.

Learn Antonym Pairs

Every time you learn a new word, learn its antonyms. Understanding the antonyms of a word increases your understanding of the word itself and adds words to your vocabulary.

Learn Groups of Related Words

When looking up new words, use a dictionary, thesaurus, or textbook to learn other words associated with the new words you are learning. Often, flash cards can help you memorize the connections and differences between the words you are learning.

Use New Words in Speaking and Writing

Until you actually use the vocabulary, it will never enter your general-use registrar. Consciously find ways to use your new words. Impress your friends and professors!

Study Other Language Influences

The study of Greek and Latin affixes (prefixes, roots, suffixes) is a great auxiliary method to vocabulary building. For example, understanding that the Latin prefix "sub-" means under can help you understand such words as subconscious, subliminal, subaltern, and others. Other languages that are helpful in understanding vocabulary because of their strong influence on the English language are French, Hebrew, and Native American languages.

Use Visuals to Define Words

Draw a picture

Drawing a picture to help you illustrate the concepts behind the word gives your brain a visual image to which you can relate the new word. Further, the kinesthetic action of drawing increases your memory of words and concepts.

Example:

Word Map

A word map diagrams the relationships of the new word, its definition, antonyms, synonyms and usages. Like a picture, it gives your brain a visual image. Remember to include some words with which you are already familiar.

Example:

Bibliography

Lewis, Norman. Word Power Made Easy.

Wixson, Karen K. "Guidelines for Evaluating Vocabulary Instruction." Journal of Reading 29 (1986): 591 – 94.

Danny Nelson, summer 2005

Based on a handout by Heather O'Brien, March 1993