Exploring the vocabulary size of algerian EFL advanced learners : the case of master and doctoral students at djillali liabes University-Sidi bel Abbes

Abstract EN

There is no doubt that the lexical competence and particularly the size of vocabulary vary from native to non-native speakers of English and their growth positively affects the language proficiency of EFL learners.

Yet, developing rich vocabulary is often associated with the amount of exposure to the target language.

The current study therefore endeavoured to examine the amount of vocabulary Algerian students succeed to learn by the end of their formal exposure to EFL.

Using a questionnaire and the Vocabulary Size Test of Nation and Baglar (2007), the study explored the lexical profile of 58 advanced learners; sampled from the English Department of Djillali Liabes University.

The findings revealed that master students knew on average 7, 794 word families (w.

f.

) and PhD students knew about 9, 950 w.

f.

, while the mean score of the teachers was 10, 012 w.

f.

With such estimates, it can be concluded that the Algerian EFL context does not allow students to close the gap in their vocabulary knowledge and thus ELT needs to be rethought in the light of recent findings about foreign language teaching and vocabulary instruction.