Sharing: vocabulary learning

Hi class,

The other day I was reading some journals on Lang-8 and saw a Japanese ask for people's opinions about how to learn vocabulary efficiently. I thought about it and from personal experience, I think the best way to increase one's vocabulary is to read many good books and magazines as often as you can.

Through reading, you will know how words are actually used in a natural way by native speakers. (Sentences in vocabulary books are not so natural sometimes, especially those written by non-native speakers). Besides, reading articles on similar topics frequently will help you to remember groups of words that are commonly used in this context. Most importantly, reading gives you additional knowledge that cannot be found in vocabulary books.

However, there is only one case when I will recommend you study from vocabulary books: if you need to take an English exam soon. If you are a student and there is a test waiting for you, I say go and study vocabulary. If you are taking a TOEIC or TOEFL and don't have much time, I also say go and study vocabulary. However, if you have plenty of time and hope to improve your English ability for yourself not for school studies or exams, I say it's time for you to read English articles or magazines regularly.

Last but not least, having a large vocabulary doesn't mean you will have good reading ability. They are related, but not necessarily the same. Developing a good reading ability is surely more helpful than simply building up a big vocabulary bank.

Hope this can be helpful.

Regards,
John

(P.S. For magazines, I don't refer to those magazines designated for language learners, but those like Vogue, Travelling, Science, Times, National Geographic where you can absorb helpful information or knowledge).

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