The Effect of Affix knowledge on English Vocabulary Learning
Misurata University, Libya
ABSTRACT
Many researchers think that the knowledge of using affixes for vocabulary learning is one of the most effective strategies (Nation, 2001). This study presents an attempt to find out the relationship between the affix knowledge and vocabulary building. And how it is vitally important as a systematic means of increasing vocabulary. The problem is that the topic of prefixation and suffixation is not taught in a systematic way to secondary school learners. Therefore, students at this level face difficulties in identifying derived words when they come across them. Data for this study was collected by using two tools, a written test for learners and a questionnaire for teachers. The results show that the affix knowledge does play an important role in language learning, and it has a positive impact on vocabulary building. It also shows that teachers generally have a limited focus on the teaching of the prefixes and suffixes however, by incorporating systematic teaching into a lesson, we can enforce the students’ vocabulary. Moreover, the results show that female students have more knowledge of affixes than their male counterparts.
KEYWORDS
Affixation, Affix knowledge, Prefix, Suffix, Vocabulary learning, EFL