Lexical Facility : Size, Recognition Speed and Consistency as Dimensions of Second Language Vocabulary Knowledge

Description

This book examines the simultaneous contribution of learner vocabulary size and speed to second language performance differences across learner levels and settings. Harrington considers vocabulary size and speed, as reflected in retrieval speed and consistency, as a three-dimensional measurement construct termed lexical facility. While size and retrieval speed are generally known, this is the first attempt to incorporate consistency, as measured by the coefficient of variation, as an index of vocabulary skill. Part 1 describes the three dimensions and the roles they play on lower level text processing and thus on second language performance more generally. Part 2 reports on seven studies and related research that investigate the sensitivity of the three dimensions, both individually and in combination, to proficiency differences in common domains of academic English performance. Harrington’s framework and the theoretical and methodological issues that arise are presented in a manner accessible to a wide readership, including second language acquisition vocabulary researchers, testing and assessment practitioners, and those interested in second language research methodology. Front Matter ....Pages i-xxviii Front Matter ....Pages 1-2 Size as a Dimension of L2 Vocabulary Skill (Michael Harrington)....Pages 3-24 Measuring Recognition Vocabulary Size (Michael Harrington)....Pages 25-44 L2 Word Recognition Skill and Its Measurement (Michael Harrington)....Pages 45-65 Lexical Facility: Bringing Size and Speed Together (Michael Harrington)....Pages 67-94 Measuring Lexical Facility: The Timed Yes/No Test (Michael Harrington)....Pages 95-119 Front Matter ....Pages 121-129 Lexical Facility as an Index of L2 Proficiency (Michael Harrington)....Pages 131-155 Lexical Facility and Academic English Proficiency (Michael Harrington)....Pages 157-185 Lexical Facility and IELTS Performance (Michael Harrington)....Pages 187-203 Lexical Facility and Language Program Placement (Michael Harrington)....Pages 205-225 Lexical Facility and Academic Performance in English (Michael Harrington)....Pages 227-240 The Effect of Lexical Facility (Michael Harrington)....Pages 241-259 The Future of Lexical Facility (Michael Harrington)....Pages 261-281 Back Matter ....Pages 283-305