Morphology Awareness in Vocabulary Construction

Authors

  • Rizgar Qasim Mahmood University of Wollongong, Australia
  • Mohammed Omer Ahmed Salahaddin University, Erbil, Iraq

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23918/ijsses.v10i3p151

Keywords:

Vocabulary, Morphology, Word Formation, L2 Learning, Morphological Awareness

Abstract

Vocabulary is a fundamental aspect of language learning, and acquiring a rich vocabulary is essential for achieving fluency in the target language (TL). Morphology, the study of word formation, plays a critical role in building vocabulary. Morphology provides learners with an understanding of how words are constructed and how their forms change based on their use in sentences. Possessing sufficient knowledge and awareness of morphology can enhance learners’ ability to comprehend and produce words accurately in the TL. This research article provides a comprehensive theoretical explanation of the benefits of using morphology as an approach to constructing vocabulary. The article discusses the different ways new words are coined in various languages and how morphological processes can be used to create new words. Additionally, the article explores how morphological analysis can help learners understand the meaning of unfamiliar words based on their word parts. Moreover, the article emphasizes the importance of morphology awareness for TL learners and provides practical applications for incorporating morphology into vocabulary instruction. The article proposes that learners can benefit from explicitly teaching morphological rules, using morphological analysis to derive meaning from words, and encouraging learners to use morphological clues to guess the meaning of unfamiliar words. In conclusion, possessing morphology awareness is crucial for TL learners to acquire a robust vocabulary. By understanding the principles of word formation and variation, learners can enhance their vocabulary acquisition and usage. This research article provides a theoretical foundation for incorporating morphology into vocabulary instruction and offers practical strategies for enhancing learners’ morphology awareness.

References

(2022). Retrieved 14 June 2022, from https://merriam-webster.com/.

Aronoff, M., & Fudeman, K. (2011). What is morphology? (2nd ed.). Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Bauer, L. (2012). English word-formation. Cambridge University Press.

Bauer, L., Lieber, R., & Plag, I. (2010). The Oxford Reference Guide to English Morphology. Oxford University Press USA – OSO.

Goundar, P. (2019). Vocabulary Learning Strategies (VLSs) Employed by Learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). English Language Teaching, 12(5), 177. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v12n5p177

Hamawand, Z. (2013). Morphology in English: Word Formation in Cognitive Grammar (1st ed.). Bloomsbury.

Jin, Z., & Webb, S. (2021). Does writing words in notes contribute to vocabulary learning? Language Teaching Research, 136216882110621. https://doi.org/10.1177/13621688211062184

Katamba, F. (1994). English words (1st ed.). Routledge.

Kimppa, L., Shtyrov, Y., Hut, S., Hedlund, L., Leminen, M., & Leminen, A. (2019). Acquisition of L2 morphology by adult language learners. Cortex, 116, 74-90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cortex.2019.01.012

Kuo, L., & Anderson, R. (2006). Morphological Awareness and Learning to Read: A Cross-Language Perspective. Educational Psychologist, 41(3), 161-180. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15326985ep4103_3

Levesque, K., Kieffer, M., & Deacon, S. (2017). Morphological awareness and reading comprehension: Examining mediating factors. Journal Of Experimental Child Psychology, 160, 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jecp.2017.02.015

Lieber, R. (2022). Introducing morphology (3rd ed.). TJ Books Limited, Padstow, Cornwall.

Lieber, R. (2017). Derivational Morphology. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Linguistics. https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780199384655.013.248

Nurjanah, S., Ramdhaniah, A., & Efransyah, M. (2018). affixation of derivational and inflectional process in narrative text entitled the ugly duckling. PROJECT, Professional Journal Of English Education, 1(3). Retrieved 15 June 2022, from https://journal.ikipsiliwangi.ac.id/index.php/project/article/view/1217.

Nagy, W., Carlisle, J., & Goodwin, A. (2013). Morphological Knowledge and Literacy Acquisition. Journal Of Learning Disabilities, 47(1), 3-12. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022219413509967

Rodgers, M., & Webb, S. (2019). Incidental vocabulary learning through viewing television. ITL – International Journal of Applied Linguistics, 171(2), 191-220. https://doi.org/10.1075/itl.18034.rod

Shu, H., McBride-Chang, C., Wu, S., & Liu, H. (2006). Understanding Chinese developmental dyslexia: Morphological awareness as a core cognitive construct. Journal of Educational Psychology, 98(1), 122-133. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0663.98.1.122

Tokar, A. (2012). Introduction to English morphology. P. Lang.

Van Goethem, K. (2020). Affixation in Morphology. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Linguistics. https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780199384655.013.678

Štekauer, P., & Lieber, R. (2005). Handbook of Word-Formation. Springer.

Yadav, M., & Yadav, M. (2021). An Overview on the Impacts and Strategies of Morphology in English Language Teaching to the L2 Learners. International Journal of Language and Literary Studies, 3(1), 262-270. https://doi.org/10.36892/ijlls.v3i1.550

Downloads

Published

11.06.2023

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Mahmood, R. Q., & Ahmed, M. O. (2023). Morphology Awareness in Vocabulary Construction. International Journal of Social Sciences & Educational Studies, 10(3), 151-160. https://doi.org/10.23918/ijsses.v10i3p151

Similar Articles

1-10 of 302

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.