Categorization and L2 Vocabulary Learning - A Cognitive Linguistic Perspective

The book addresses the role of the L1 (first language)-based concept categorization in L2 (second language) vocabulary learning from a cognitive linguistic perspective. The author hypothesizes that the patterns of one's L1-based concept categorization will be present in his or her L2 vocabulary learning as well. The two characteristics pertaining to concept categorization under investigation are the prototypicality and the basic-level effects. The results show that the psychological salience of the basic-level and the prototypical concepts in one's L1-based conceptual system is related to better retention and faster retrieval of the corresponding L2 words. The author argues that these two effects are dynamic in L2 contexts, being influenced by factors such as concept familiarity, formal instruction and exposure to the specific culture.

List of contents

Contents: Human Categorization - Categorization and L1 Vocabulary Learning - A Conceptual Model of L2 Vocabulary Learning - Experientialism - Basic-level Effect and L2 Vocabulary Learning - Prototypicality Effect and L2 Vocabulary Learning Culture - Specific Prototypicality Effect and L2 Vocabulary Learning.

About the author

Xiaoyan Xia, PhD, studied in Beijing and Hong Kong and is a lecturer at the School of Foreign Languages and Literature at Beijing Normal University. Her research interest is in Applied Cognitive Linguistics, Second Language Acquisition and Foreign Language Teaching.

Product details

• Authors: Xiaoyan Xia
• Publisher: Peter Lang
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 01.01.2014
• EAN: 9783631650103
• ISBN: 978-3-631-65010-3
• No. of pages: 299
• Dimensions: 148 mm x 25 mm x 210 mm
• Weight: 506 g
• Series: Duisburger Arbeiten zur Sprach- und Kulturwissenschaft; Duisburger Arbeiten zur Sprach- und Kulturwissenschaft; DASK - Duisburger Arbeiten zur Sprach- und Kulturwissenschaft / Duisburg Papers on Research in Language and Culture; DASK - Duisburger Arbeiten zur Sprach- und Kulturwissenschaft / Duisburg Papers on Research in Langu; DASK ¿ Duisburger Arbeiten zur Sprach- und Kulturwissenschaft / Duisburg Papers on Research in Language and Culture
• Subject: Humanities, art, music > Linguistics and literary studies > Other languages / Other literatures