The Important of Vocabulary in English Learning Skill
Vocabulary
is very important in producing a language. Therefore, having sufficient amount
of vocabulary as well as mastering the use of vocabulary is also important in
order to be able to use the language well. English teachers are strongly
recommended to provide certain numbers of vocabulary for certain length of time
in order the students to have sufficient numbers of vocabulary. David Nunan has
an argument: Vocabulary was the easier aspect of a second language to learn and
that is hardly equipped formal attention in the classroom.[1]
The
more one’s vocabulary is developed, the easier it is to add new words. To make
sure the importance of vocabulary the writer hereby gives Paul’s statements on
his book How to Study in College his
argument is around the importance of a good vocabulary in speaking, reading,
learning and thinking.
In
speaking, people usually know what they mean by word expressed in written form
or in isolation but they cannot express it clearly. According to Paul, this
happens caused by inadequate vocabulary. Plato in Paul book stated that to
transmit ideas, a speaking must paint picture in minds of listener by precise
words.[2]
In
reading, there is a tendency to misinterpret meanings because of inadequate
vocabulary. Moreover, in thinking if the vocabulary is limited, so that the
thinking will be limited as well.
According
to David Wilkins as quoted by Scott Thornbury said: “Without grammar very
little can be conveyed, without vocabulary nothing can be conveyed”. David
Wilkins assumed that “if you spend most of your time studying grammar, your
English will not improve very much. You will see most improvement if you learn
more words and expressions. You can say very little with grammar, but you can
say almost anything with word”.[3]
Vocabulary
is important component that the students must master for learning. If they
master vocabulary, they can understand what they read and they can do
assignments in English book easily. However, vocabulary cannot be completely
separated from other language skill and language constituent.
So it
can be conclude that the students have to master vocabulary, because with
vocabulary we can speak a fluent sentence in English and it is very important
to support the students to master the four language skills, reading, listening,
speaking and writing.
In
addition, the mastery of vocabulary is an important indicator both in receptive
and productive way of communication. Accurate and appropriate comprehension or
interpretation of words in communication will have positive effect on
comprehension or interpretation of the message or information transmitted.
Jeremy
Harmer states if language structures make up the skeleton of language, then it
is vocabulary that provides the vital organs and the flesh. An ability to
manipulate grammatical structure does have any potential for expressing meaning
unless words are used[4].
And then, about the definition of vocabulary such as
mentioned above that vocabulary is very important in producing a language So,
it can be said that the rich achievement of vocabulary means a result of the
students' ability in mastering English, which can be measured by evaluation or test
shown in letter, symbol or score.
[1] David Nunan, Language
Teaching Methodology; a Textbook for Teacher, (New York: Prentice Hall,
1991), p. 117
[2] Walter Paul, How to Study in College, Third Edition, (New York: Houghton Milan
Company, 1989), P. 270
[3] Scott Thunbury, How to Teach
Vocabulary. (England: bluestone press, 2002), Op. Cit., p. 13
[4] Jeremy Harmer, The Practice
of English Language Teaching, New Edition, (New York: Longman Publishing,
1992), p. 153
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