10 concluded that in Indonesian, the learners need to learn three words represented
by the form “fork”, but in English, the learners just require to learn the underlying concept of fork. It describes that the learners have only one item to learn.
b. Reasons for Vocabulary Learning
In this research, the researcher focused on four main reasons why vocabulary learning becomes very important for learners, especially for EFL
learners. First, Decarrico 2001 stated, “vocabulary learning is central to language acquisition, whether the language is first, second, or foreign.” From her
statement, it is obviously described that vocabulary learning is very crucial for students to access the language for their daily communication in the target
language. Additionally, vocabulary learning becomes an essential part for the students in acquiring the target language.
Second, Nation 1990 conveyed that vocabulary is considered as a crucial part in language learning. In other words, it can be said that in acquiring foreign
or second language, the students need to be able to perform well in both receptive and productive languages. Nation 1990 added that it is not argued that the
difficulties faced by most of the foreign or second language learners in reading, listening, speaking, and writing are resulted from the lack of vocabulary mastery.
Third, Moras 2001 conveyed that vocabulary learning is essentially involved in English class because by mastering vocabulary, the students will be
assisted in both expressing and communicating their ideas more clearly and appropriately in every situation. Moreover, Moras 2001 suggested that the
vocabulary learning should not only fulfil the students’ needs on understanding
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11 the meaning of words, but also accommodate the students’ necessity to apply the
learnt words in both spoken and written languages, degree of formality, and language style. In other words, it can be said that vocabulary learning promotes
the students to be able to apply the proper words in any different occasions. Fourth, in his article, Zhanxiang 2000 stated, “words of a language are
just like bricks of high building.” He also pointed out that despite words are assumed as small pieces, but they are vital to build a great structure of a language.
Hence, involving the vocabulary learning in English class is highly required, especially in learning English as a foreign language. Moreover, from his research
about vocabulary learning towards the students in Inner Mongolia 2000, he drew a general conclusion that for EFL students, vocabulary is supposed to be the
biggest problem in learning English. The reason is that most of the students face difficulty in possessing a wide range of vocabulary to fulfil their needs in
communication. Furthermore, according to Zhanxiang 2000, for EFL students, vocabulary becomes an obstacle to express their thought in the target words. It is
because by having limited vocabulary, the students will fail in developing ideas or arguments effectively using the target words.
Those are the reasons why vocabulary learning is important to be involved in English teaching and learning process. Decarrico 2001 declared that the
teacher should reflect the current focus on the needs of students in acquiring vocabulary mastery. In addition, Nation 1990 said that giving attention to
vocabulary is inescapable because vocabulary learning turns into a very fundamental aspect in acquiring and mastering the target language.
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12
c. Principles of Vocabulary Learning
