The Effectiveness of Visual Input for EFL Learners’ Vocabulary Acquisition

Abstract: Effective modes of input for EFL vocabulary learning is an ongoing discussion in research. Vocabulary is an important aspect of language learning which makes it valuable to examine how to acquire vocabulary most effectively. However, few studies have investigated the effectiveness of the visual mode in audiovisual input for EFL vocabulary acquisition. The aim of this study is to examine whether the visual mode in audiovisual input is more effective for EFL learners' vocabulary acquisition than listening input alone. The participants were students from an upper secondary school in Sweden. They were tested with a vocabulary size test and then divided into two different groups, an audiovisual input group, and a listening input group. The groups were exposed to either audiovisual input or listening input and tested with the same listening comprehension test. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were also held with the students participating in the study to understand EFL learners' attitudes toward vocabulary learning and if extramural English exposure is effective for vocabulary acquisition. The results of this study showed no difference between the use of audiovisual input and listening input on the listening comprehension test. Additionally, it could not be concluded that exposure to extramural English audiovisual input is effective for EFL learners' vocabulary acquisition.