Researchers define vocabulary learning strategies just according to the
definition of learning strategies. According to Nation (2001), “vocabulary learning
strategies are a part of language learning strategies which in turn are a part of general
learning strategies” (p. 217). Based on O’Malley and Chamot’s (1990) definition of
learning strategies, Schmitt (1997) claimed that learning is “the process by which
information is obtained, stored, retrieved and used. Therefore, vocabulary learning
strategies could be any which affect this broadly defined process” (p. 203). Nation(2001), instead of providing a clear-cut definition of vocabulary learning strategies,
has opted for listing their characteristics. Nation (2001) stated that “a strategy must
involve choice (i.e. there should be several strategies to choose from), be complex (i.e.
there should be several steps to learn), require knowledge and benefit from training,
and increase the efficiency of vocabulary learning and vocabulary use” (p. 217).