Factors in Vocabulary Acquisition through Reading

Abstract

This study explores the factors that affect vocabulary acquisition during reading. Two purposes guide this article: reviewing the literature that investigated the incidental vocabulary acquisition through reading and exploring what factors affects vocabulary acquisition. With these purposes, the literature and three themes were identified: 1) nature of vocabulary development, 2) definition of incidental vocabulary acquisition, and 3) factors in vocabulary acquisition through reading. This literature review revealed that several factors in reading significantly contribute to vocabulary acquisition. Specifically, repetition, explanation, and L1 translation support more effective vocabulary acquisition. Dictionary use and marginal glosses help a learner better grasp word meaning. Additional visual input and oral input presented with the target words positively affect gain and retention of words. A learner can differently learn and acquire words due to personal variables such as the level of text comprehension, motivation, and L2 proficiency. Finally, a model of vocabulary acquisition through reading, which the author develops based on the factors above, is suggested.