Second-Semester Students’ Challenges towards Vocabulary Mastery in English Language Learning - Vol. 5 - No. 2 - 2024

Oct 1, 2026

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The study identifies challenges and inhibiting factors affecting vocabulary acquisition in English language learning among 32 second-semester students from the English Education Study Program at Universitas Nias. Qualitative structured interviews and descriptive processing were used with six guiding questions based on students’ experiences. Findings show laziness due to rare daily English use, alongside low motivation and interest, difficulties in word meaning and grammar, and pronunciation problems. Additional issues include low confidence speaking, frequent forgetting, context difficulty, mood-dependent learning, and limited study time.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time25 min

AccessFree to download

ARTICLE INFO

Abstract

I. INTRODUCTION

English Teaching and Linguistics Journal (ETLiJ) Vol. 5. No.2, 2024, pp. 120-129 E-ISSN: 2716-083 􀂈 120 | Second-Semester Students’ Challenges towards Vocabulary Mastery in
English Language Learning
Yasminar Amaerita Telaumbanua1, Denista Riska Cahyani Mendrofa2, Mince Resti Natalia Hura3, Asirida Waruwu4, Priskila Destalenta Tafona’o5
1,2,3,4,5English Education Study Program, Universitas Nias
email: [denistamendrofa856@gmail.com](denistamendrofa856@gmail.com) | | | --- | --- | | ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT | | | Received
19/06/24
Revised
24/07/24
Accepted
31/08/24
Keywords:
Factors, Learning, Students’Vocabulary | This study aims to identify the challenges and inhibiting factors that affect vocabulary acquisition in English language learning. The research was conducted using a qualitative method, specifically through structured interviews. Descriptive research was also employed to process the data. The participants were 32 second-semester students from the English Education Study Program at Universitas Nias. Six questions were prepared for the participants, with responses based on their personal experiences. The results revealed that many participants cited laziness as a significant factor hindering their vocabulary improvement, largely due to their infrequent use of English in daily life. Other factors included low motivation and interest, difficulties with word meaning and grammar, and challenges with pronunciation. These factors were categorized into psychological factors—such as low motivation, interest, and laziness in memorizing words—and linguistic factors, which included difficulties with word meaning, grammar, and pronunciation. Additional reasons identified were a lack of confidence in speaking English with others, frequent forgetting of vocabulary, difficulty understanding context, learning dependent on mood, and limited study time. These were further classified into psychological factors, such as lack of confidence and study laziness, and cognitive factors, like difficulty remembering vocabulary. | | How to cite: Telaumbanua, Y, A., Mendrofa, D, R, C., Hura, M, R, N., Waruwu, A., Tafona ’o, P, D. (2024) . Second-Semester Students’ Challenges towards Vocabulary Mastery in English Language Learning, 5(2), 120-129. | | I. INTRODUCTION In (Hadi, Izzah, and Larasati 2021) vocabulary is a crucial aspect of English language acquisition for kids. Vocabulary is a crucial component of learning a language. According to Nordquist (2019), vocabulary refers to a person's or group's understanding of a language's words. Vocabulary impacts the communication process. Vocabulary refers to a person's knowledge and use of commonly used terms in their language. This has an impact on people's willingness and capacity to share their beliefs and ideas effectively. A recent study indicated that vocabulary knowledge, in addition to grammar and pronunciation, is a crucial basis for English proficiency. According to Yovanoff, Duesbery, Alonzo, and Tindal (2017) and Sovakandan, Jaganathan, and Hussin (2017), effective communication requires proper vocabulary. In (Rizky Setiawan and Wiedarti 2020) explains that there are numerous definitions of vocabulary. Kusrini (2012) defines vocabulary as commonly used and understood terms by learners. Furthermore, vocabulary is defined as a linguistic word that encompasses individual items, phrases, and clauses with a definition (Clouston, 2013) . A vocabulary is a list of words from specific alphabets and their meanings (Alizadeth, 2016) . Nation (2006) in (Afini et al. 2023) also argue that vocabulary is a collection of phrases that people use to interact with one another in a specific language, as well as a person's recall of vocabulary words for that language. A person's vocabulary consists of phrases with which they are familiar (Mujazidah, 2018). Vocabulary is crucial for mastering language abilities, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing (L

FAQs

What is the main purpose of the study?

The study aims to identify challenges and inhibiting factors that affect vocabulary acquisition in English language learning.

Which factor is reported as the biggest barrier to vocabulary improvement?

Many participants cite laziness, largely because they rarely use English in daily life.

How are the challenges categorized in the findings?

The challenges are grouped into psychological factors (e.g., low motivation, interest, laziness in memorizing) and linguistic factors (e.g., difficulties with word meaning, grammar, and pronunciation).

Oct 1, 2026

Uploaded by Kurz