Second language vocabulary acquisition for young learners

Abstract

An increasing number of children around the world, including Bosnian children, are being educated in a second language (L2). This L2 learning in primary school settings raises interesting questions about developing L2 vocabulary. Investigating the nature of vocabulary knowledge in these L2 children is important particularly as they face the significant challenge of acquiring L2 vocabulary in order to handle school work. This is the case with the children who participated in this study. They attend the first grade at International Primary School in Sarajevo where key subjects are taught in English. In this research different approaches have been used to help young learners develop their vocabulary. There was a big improvement in acquiring new words after implementing all activities appropriate for young learners. I hope that this research may benefit teachers and pedagogues seeking to maximize their class time and their students’ language learning potential. Keywords: second language, vocabulary, acquisition, young learners, language pedagogy, methodology