English Vocabulary Learning with Simplified Pictures

English Vocabulary Learning with Simplified Pictures

Learning the words of a language is crucial to successful language learning. The study reported in this article aimed to investigate the potential for simple images to be used in foreign language vocabulary learning. English words presented in either first language form or simple pictorial form were used as cues for recall in classroom and self-learning situations. The study was conducted in an existing course at a Japanese university with two classes of all female participants. Language performance was tested with pre-tests, post-tests and weekly tests. Attitudinal responses were received from a questionnaire and focus group discussions. The results of the study indicate that words presented pictorially had a higher rate of recall than words presented in Japanese, implying that simple pictorial forms were a positive influence upon learning. The concrete and the emotional quality of the target words were shown to be a major influence upon vocabulary recall. Attitudinal responses to learning with the pictures were generally positive, with the main criticism being that some images were difficult to understand. It is suggested that simple pictorial forms have potential as an alternative and/or supplemental method of learning and teaching English vocabulary.