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Article published In: ITL - International Journal of Applied Linguistics
Vol. 174:1 (2023) ► pp.49–82

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The relationship between extramural English engagement and the vocabulary size of L1 Cantonese speakers in Macau

 | University of Macau
ORCiD logo with link | University of Macau
Published online: 30 May 2022
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/itl.21003.tam
Abstract
This study investigated the relationship between the English vocabulary size of first language Cantonese speakers in Macau (N = 77) and engagement in extramural English activities. The 140-item Vocabulary Size Test was used to collect data on participants’ vocabulary size and a 13-item questionnaire tapped into background learning experiences as well as participation in 16 extramural activities. Small correlations between vocabulary size and book reading, subtitled television viewing, non-subtitled online video viewing, level of education, study abroad experience, and travel abroad experience were found. A medium correlation between vocabulary size and language of instruction in secondary school was also found. A four variable sequential regression accounted for 26% of the variance in participants’ vocabulary sizes, with book reading adding the most explanatory power after language of instruction in secondary school had been eliminated. The impact of extramural activities on vocabulary size and pedagogical implications for the Macau and similar contexts were discussed.
Article outline
  • Introduction
  • Literature review
    • Role of English in Macau
    • Language of instruction
    • Definition of extramural English
    • Extensive reading
    • Television, movie, and video viewing
    • Digital games
  • Methodology
    • Participants
    • Instruments
      • Vocabulary size test
      • Background information questionnaire
      • Procedures
      • Data analysis
  • Results
    • Descriptive statistics
    • Correlations
    • Sequential regression
  • Discussion
    • Predictors of English receptive vocabulary acquisition
    • Pedagogical implications
    • Limitation of current research
    • Recommendation for further research
  • Conclusion
  • Acknowledgements
  • Note
  • References
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