Learning Beyond the Classroom: Incidental Vocabulary Acquisition in Extramural Activities. A Literature Review

Abstract

The amount of vocabulary needed for a learner to independently use a language is unlikely to be acquired inside a classroom setting with limited hours of instruction. Fortunately, a significant amount of vocabulary acquisition happens incidentally outside the classroom every day, which has the potential to help learners reach the amount of words needed for independent language use. This literature review explores and reviews previous research on the impact of extramural activities on Incidental Vocabulary Acquisition (IVA) for intermediate EFL learners. The review is focused on examining whether there are factors that determine the likelihood of IVA through extramural activities. This is done by reading and comparing the findings of 14 studies that have explored different aspects of extramural IVA. The conclusion reached is that there are three factors that are needed to increase the likelihood of IVA: exposure frequency, salience, and enjoyment. These factors are then discussed in terms of their pedagogical implications for a Swedish classroom context. IVA is determined to be a crucial aspect of language learning, but one that should be combined with intentional classroom instruction for the best possible outcome.