Richard (1976:83) laid down eight assumptions about word knowledge:
A native speaker of a language continues to expand his vocabulary in adulthood, whereas there is comparatively little development of syntax in adult life.
Knowing a word means knowing the degree of probability of encountering that word in speech or print, and, in many cases, the sort of words most likely to be found associated with it.
Knowing a word implies knowing the limitations imposed on the use of the word according to variations of function and situation.
Knowing a word means knowing the syntactic behaviour associated with the word.
Knowing a word entails knowledge of its underlying forms and derivations.
Knowing a word entails knowledge of the network of association between that word and other words in the language.
Knowing a word means knowing its semantic value.
Knowing a word means knowing many of the different meanings associated with the word.
Reference:
Richards, J. C. (1976). The role of vocabulary teaching. TESOL Quarterly, 10(1), pp.77-89.
Word knowledge can be receptive and productive. In other words, it can be comprehended through listening and reading, or be produced to convey messages through speaking and writing. For example:
The receptive knowledge and use of, underdeveloped involves:
being able to recognise the word when it is heard
being familiar with its written form so that it is recognised when it is met in reading
being able to construct it using the right word parts in their appropriate forms
being able to produce the word to express the meaning 'underdeveloped'
being able to produce the word in different contexts to express the range of meanings of underdeveloped
being able to produce synonyms and opposites for underdeveloped
being able to use the word correctly in an original sentence
being able to produce words that commonly occur with it
being able to decide to use or not use the word to suit the degree of formality of the situation (At present developing is more acceptable than underdeveloped which carries a slightly negative meaning.)"
Reference:
Nation, I. S. P. (2001). Learning Vocabulary in Another Language. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
In learning a word, we can try to explore the different aspects of word knowledge. Click the bubbles to explore more.
