Vocabulary-Learning Problems Encountered by B.A. English Specialization Students at the University Level of Education

Abstract

Proficiency in the English language very much depends on the knowledge
of its vocabulary possessed by the second and foreign language learners and
even the native speakers. Though developing the vocabulary is vigorous, it
poses several problems, especially, to non-native students of English.
Students for those who have a low vocabulary knowledge express weak
academic performance in different courses related to language skills,
linguistics, literature, and translation at the university level of education.
This study was to explore the problems faced by English specialization
students in learning the vocabulary in Myanmar. It also put forward some
vocabulary-learning strategies to minimize the potential problems. The data
consisted of the responses of 130 students (undergraduates) randomly
picked up from different levels of 4-Year B.A. English Program. As a

research instrument, this qualitative study uses an interview survey with
teachers and an online questionnaire with students to collect the data.
According to interview survey and questionnaire responses, the results
expose that English specialization students face several problems in learning
the vocabulary such as learning the meaning of technical terms, learning
cultural-specific vocabulary, learning homophones, and so on. To its
contribution, this study not only accentuates the importance of learning the
English vocabulary but also highlights the problems come across by
students. Future research may explore teachers’ outlooks on instructional
methods implemented to teach vocabulary in English language classrooms.