Vocabulary Learning Strategies and Foreign Language Learning

Takac (U. of Osijek, Croatia) examines the linguistic and psychological aspects underlying the phenomenon of vocabulary learning strategies. While rooted in the cognitive theory of learning, the study also considers the inherent linguistic features of lexical items and the complexity of lexical forms and their relationships, and their impact on vocabulary acquisition. Following a critical review of previous research on vocabulary learning strategies, the author analyzes various methods and instruments for assessing such strategies, and then reports findings from three original studies on vocabulary learning strategies. This cross-linguistic study questions the universality and transferability of learning strategies, and acknowledges the role played by the social learning context in strategy use. Implications for practice and research are included. For researchers, language teachers, and teacher educators. Distributed in the U.S. by UTP Distribution. Annotation c2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

ViAnja PaviAiA aI TakaA obtained her BA in English and German language and literature from the University of Osijek, Croatia, and her MA and PhD from the University of Zagreb, Croatia. After working as a primary school teacher of English, she was appointed teaching assistant for the English language and ELT methodology at the Faculty of Philosophy University of Osijek, Croatia. As a guest lecturer, she has also taught at universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the postgraduate course on foreign language learning strategies at the University of Zagreb, Croatia. Her professional and research interests include individual differences in foreign language learning, language learning strategies, interlanguage, cross-linguistic studies, as well as pre-service teacher education and foreign language teachers? competence. She is currently an assistant professor and teaches a variety of under- and postgraduate courses related to theory and practice of foreign language acquisition.