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International Journal of New Developments in Engineering and Society, 2021, 5(1); doi: 10.25236/IJNDES.2021.050106.

Applying L1 Translation in L2 Vocabulary Building: Efficacy of Immersion Learning Method in the Online Environment

Author(s)

Mingye Li1, Yinuo Shen2, Xintong Mao1, Sihan Wang3, Peijin Jiang4

Corresponding Author:
Mingye Li
Affiliation(s)

1Hangzhou Foreign Language School, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310023, China

2United World College Costa Rica, Santa Ana, San Jose 11801, Costa Rica 

3John F. Kennedy High School, 11254 Gothic Ave, Granada Hills, CA 91344

4Beijing Bayi High School International Department, Beijing, Beijing 100080, China

Abstract

The study was designed to examine the effective manners for beginners to study foreign language vocabulary using mobile-assisted programs of different language learning approaches. We reported on a simple process of language learning on Wenjuanxing, an online survey instrument with over 80 million active users for data collection. Some beginning learners use unsystematic ways to learn L2, which are not recommended. In a between-subjects design, 78 high school students (aged 15 to 18) with 36 males and 42 females were randomly assigned into three groups: no L1 translation, L1 translation before, L1 translation after. They learnt 12 Spanish words through a tutorial video and then completed a vocab test to examine their short-term language acquisition. After 24 hours, another similar vocab test was given to examine their long-term language acquisition. The results revealed a noticeable difference in long-term memory between with and without L1 translation, providing a route for L2 vocabulary learners to follow in the online environment. 

Keywords

L1 translation; high school students; short-term; long-term; language acquisition

Cite This Paper

Mingye Li, Yinuo Shen, Xintong Mao, Sihan Wang, Peijin Jiang. Applying L1 Translation in L2 Vocabulary Building: Efficacy of Immersion Learning Method in the Online Environment. International Journal of New Developments in Engineering and Society (2021) Vol.5, Issue 1: 28-34. https://doi.org/10.25236/IJNDES.2021.050106.

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