Incidental or Intentional Lexical Learning: The Frequency Use ofVocabulary Learning Strategies Among University Students the east ofAlgeria

Abstract

Vocabulary is essential in foreign language learning. Without having enough vocabulary knowledge learners cannot communicate in their FL. In fact, learners are always trying to expand their vocabulary using different ways. This dissertation investigates the different modes of learning vocabulary (incidental and intentional learning) as well as the different vocabulary learning strategies. In order to collect the needed information to accomplish this study two questionnaires were administered. One questionnaire was administered to 60 EFL students at three universities: Mohammed Saddik Ben Yahya University of Jijel; University of Contantine and Mila centre. The second was administered to ten teachers at Mohammed Saddik Ben Yahya Jijel University. The results obtained from the analysis of the questionnaire showed that: the majority of the learners use the intentional mode in learning their vocabulary, and use dictionary as the best strategy to find the meaning of new words. They showed that all teachers prefer to use both modes (incidental and intentional) in their classes. However, according to the majority of them intentional mode of learning vocabulary is the one that is more helpful