Vocabulary learning strategies proposed by Intaraprasert (2004) were
classified under three main categories, including strategies 1) to discover the meaning
of new vocabulary items (DMV), 2) to retain the knowledge of newly-learned
vocabulary items (RKV), and 3) to expand the knowledge of vocabulary items(EKV).
On close consideration to the individual vocabulary learning strategies to discover the
meaning of new vocabulary items (DMV), it was demonstrated that three main
strategy groups were reported being employed by the participants which included
dictionary use, social strategies and contextual reliance
This section has examined a taxonomy of vocabulary learning strategies by
different researchers. Vocabulary learning strategies can be categorised in terms of
knowledge-oriented strategies; and skill-oriented strategies. Knowledge-oriented
strategies include those for understanding and recognising a word (which involve
receptive skills). Skill-oriented strategies concern the use of words (which concern
productive skills).
Overall, vocabulary learning strategies have been classified differently in
various ways by different researchers. Some categories offered are distinctive while
some vocabulary learning strategies were made in lists. Although, some of these
categories have been named differently, and seem overlapped, they seem to share
some common strategies. The most common or notable individual vocabulary
learning strategies tend to fall largely in the Memory category. This is followed by
Metatcognitive, Cognitive, Social and Determination categories. Most vocabulary
learning strategies can be applied to a wide range of vocabulary learning, and are
useful at all levels or stages of vocabulary learning. These vocabulary learning
strategies are very important for language learners since they promote language
learners to take control of their learning away from the teacher. In other words,
language learners with a variety of vocabulary learning strategies would make
themselves more self-directed learners. They would also make their vocabulary
learning easier, faster, more enjoyable and more effective themselves.