Algerian EFL learners’ vocabulary deficiency: insights and suggestions

الملخص EN

One of the major areas in which Algerian EFL learners struggle the most is acquiring enough vocabulary to be able to comprehend English language materials and express themselves properly.

yet as data regarding Algerian EFL learners’ vocabulary size and factors influencing its development is notably lacking, no informed measures can be taken to remedy the situation.

hence, the current study aims at measuring the vocabulary repertoire of secondary school pupils and investigating their reading habits, in addition to analyzing the texts of the coursebooks to gauge their suitability to the current level of the learners and make recommendations in the light of the ensuing findings.

the results of the vocabulary size test (VST) for both first-year and third-year pupils revealed the opposite of what would be expected as the former group outperformed their senior counterparts, meanwhile the survey revealed that reading is still largely marginalized amongst Algerian learners.

a situation that can only be reversed through a national reading program that aspires to systematically instill reading habit in young learners.