The Relation of Language Experience to Vocabulary Size

This study examines the relationship between the frequency of language experience and vocabulary size in Chinese as a second language (L2). 41 British-born Chinese children (8-16-year-olds) participated in a word association test containing 5 stimuli in Chinese to estimate their vocabulary size. And their language experience related to Chinese including the frequency of two types of book reading activities, language use and language-learning experience, was measured by a self-report questionnaire. Results revealed a significant difference between the frequency of personal book reading activities and vocabulary size in Chinese, while the frequency-related difference of shared book reading activities was only found in the younger group (8-11-year-olds). However, no significant effect of the frequency of Chinese use and Chinese learning experience was found on Chinese vocabulary size.

Autorentext

Mrs. Xinyun Lei Studied at The University of Manchester Lives in Manchester, United Kingdom From Hunan, Zhejiang, China