Title: Achieving Native-like English Lexical Knowledge: The Non-native Story
Abstract: This study which is developmental and cross-sectional in nature examines the receptive and productive English vocabulary knowledge of L2 tertiary students.Vocabulary Levels Test (VLT) which consists of three tests namely Passive Vocabulary Test (PVT), Controlled Active Vocabulary Test (CAVT), and Free Active Vocabulary Test (FAVT) is used to collect the data.When using the test, the researcher is not particularly interested in the students' total score on the tests, but is interested more in whether the students know enough of the high-frequency words.360 first-and second-year university students are involved in the study.The findings reveal that majority of them have a very limited vocabulary knowledge and vocabulary size to use English as their second language though formal exposure to English language had been given to them for more than 12 years.This paper, besides discussing the students' levels of passive, controlled active and free active vocabulary knowledge and their vocabulary size, highlights the vocabulary levels and vocabulary size they should attain.The probable impact vocabulary knowledge has on the acquisition of other English language skills is another area discussed.Some recommendations for teaching approaches are also put forward.