Meaning-focused input vocabulary refers to the vocabulary within this input that is chosen specifically to facilitate meaning comprehension. Here's a breakdown:
* Meaning-focused input: The language learners encounter, whether spoken or written, should be designed to be easily understood despite containing some unfamiliar elements.
* Vocabulary: The words within this input are carefully selected to be relevant to the learner's current understanding and needs. This means:
* High-frequency words: Common words that are used often in everyday communication.
* Content words: Words that convey important information, such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs.
* Context-dependent words: Words whose meaning can be inferred from the surrounding text or context.
* Vocabulary related to specific topics: Words that relate to the themes and concepts being discussed.
Examples:
* A story about a family going on a camping trip: While some specific vocabulary related to camping might be introduced, the focus would be on common verbs like "go", "pack", "drive", "build", "cook" and familiar nouns like "family", "tent", "car", "fire".
* A dialogue about ordering food at a restaurant: Instead of focusing on rare or highly specific food items, the focus would be on common phrases like "I'd like", "Can I have", "Please", "Thank you".
Benefits of meaning-focused input vocabulary:
* Reduces anxiety: Learners feel less intimidated by unfamiliar words when the focus is on understanding the overall message.
* Encourages active engagement: Learners become more engaged when they can follow the meaning and participate in meaningful interactions.
* Improves language acquisition: Exposure to comprehensible input helps learners internalize grammatical structures and vocabulary naturally.
Key strategies to implement meaning-focused input:
* Provide clear context: Use pictures, realia (real objects), gestures, and demonstrations to aid comprehension.
* Use repetition and rephrasing: Repeat key words and phrases in different ways to facilitate understanding.
* Incorporate visuals and multimedia: Use images, videos, and other visuals to make the input more engaging and accessible.
* Focus on communication: Encourage learners to communicate with each other and with the teacher, using the language they are learning.
By using meaning-focused input vocabulary, teachers and language learners can create a supportive environment where language acquisition can flourish naturally.