Learning Vocabulary in Another Language (Cambridge Applied Linguistics) [Paperback]

I. S. P. Nation (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521804981 | ISBN-13: 978-0521804981 | Publication Date: April 2, 2001 | Edition: 1

Learning Vocabulary in Another Language provides a detailed survey of research and theory on the teaching and learning of vocabulary with the aim of providing pedagogical suggestions for both teachers and learners. It contains descriptions of numerous vocabulary learning strategies which are justified and supported by reference to experimental research, case studies, and teaching experience. It also describes what vocabulary learners need to know to be effective language users. Learning Vocabulary in Another Language shows that by taking a systematic approach to vocabulary learning, teachers can make the best use of class time and help learners get the best return for their learning effort. It will quickly establish itself as the point of reference for future vocabulary work.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Provides a clear survey of the current state of research and offers practical teaching techniques. The book enables the teacher to be an informed practitioner. Verdict: **** a valuable book for diploma students.' British Council Network News

'Nation takes his 477 pages well, taking a truly useful approach to linking research to practice by providing teachers with concrete ideas with which to help learners build their second language vocabulary. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to include a clear vocabulary thread in their teaching, and to teacher educators who have an influence on the methodology and approaches of future teachers.' ELT Journal

Book Description

This book provides pedagogical suggestions for both teachers and learners.

Product Details

• Paperback: 492 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 1 edition (April 2, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521804981
• ISBN-13: 978-0521804981
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #403,081 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Indispensable resource on vocabulary learning, January 2, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Learning Vocabulary in Another Language (Cambridge Applied Linguistics) (Paperback)

This book was recommended to me by an English professor whose area of expertise is EFL vocabulary building. If you're an English teacher looking for a book which explains teaching vocabulary to ESL/EFL students in a crystal-clear manner, this is THE book.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A relatively useful text for TESOL/linguistics courses at university level, April 6, 2010

By 

S MacLeod "newzild" (Malaysia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Teaching ESL/EFL Reading and Writing (ESL & Applied Linguistics Professional Series) (Paperback)

This book and its companion volume (Teaching ESL/EFL Listening and Speaking) were the core texts of two courses I took for my MA Applied Linguistics. The central tenet of the books is that EFL/ESL classroom learning should consist of equal amounts of the "four strands" of language learning - meaningful input, meaningful output, fluency, and direct attention to language items.

Compared with the other required texts I read while completing my MA, this book is highly pedagogically relevant (ie: some of the suggestions appear to be actually useful for classroom teachers).

The book contains a lot of suggestions for teachers in terms of tasks and activities. It gives a brief description of the research that underpins the suggestions and also suggests further reading material that might prove useful for writing essays and assignments at university level.

Having said that, I have found that I've used very few of the suggestions in my job as an EFL teacher at a South Korean elementary school. The reason is that the book focuses on specific tasks and activities, rather than explaining how to develop lesson plans that incorporate those tasks/activities. In other words, the book has a narrow focus.

I think this is an excellent book for academic courses and teachers who want some ideas for activities, but somewhat less useful for teachers seeking an overall guide to effective EFL/ESL teaching.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book gets it done. . ., November 24, 2006

By 

a writing teacher (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Learning Vocabulary in Another Language (Cambridge Applied Linguistics) (Paperback)

I can't agree more with the previous reviewer. This book is by far the best I've read on the subject--highly informed, highly practical, research-based, and comprehensive. If you're in doubt about whether to buy it, take a moment to look through the table of contents and the excerpts! After reading this book at a library, I can't imagine *not* buying a copy for my classroom.