Investigating the effect of reading authentic texts on EFL learner's vocabulary development
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Date
2016
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university of Oum-El-Bouaghi
Abstract
This study is concerned with investigating the impact of using authentic texts on enhancing EFL learners' vocabulary knowledge. Since vocabulary is an essential component in language, learners need to enrich their vocabulary repertoire in order to communicate effectively through using the target language. However, algerian pupils encounter difficulties in expressing their thoughts and ideas clearly because of the lack of vocabulary knowledge. Besides, reading is one of the main skills that are emphasized in teaching and learning foreign language. Many researchers argue that reading helps in enhancing learners' vocabulary. Thus, teachers may use authentic texts inside classrooms. Authentic texts are texts which expose learners to the natural occurrence of language, giving them the opportunity to interact with a real target language. On this basis, this experimental research is conducted in order to examine whether the use of authentic texts in EFL classrooms has a positive effect on learners' vocabulary enhancement or not. It is carried out at Malek Ben Nabi Secondary school in Tebessa with second year pupils of foreign languages stream. A group of pupils is divided into two sub-groups one is experimental and the other is control group. Both groups were pre-tested and post-tested. However the experimental group received treatment sessions where they have been exposed to authentic texts. After analyzing the collected data, it was found that there was a significant difference between control group and experimental group results. In conclusion, the null hypothesis is rejected and using authentic texts affects EFL learners' vocabulary development, i.e., the use of authentic text has a positive impact on EFL learners' vocabulary development.
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Keywords
Reading comprehension, Vocabulary development