Stretegies Adopted by Tharu learners in learning english vocabulary

Abstract

Vocabulary learning is a complex process. It is even more difficult in second and foreign language learning scenario. There are different vocabulary learning strategies to improve competence and performance of foreign language learners. This study was carried out to find the vocabulary learning strategies used by Tharu learners of Saptari district and the problems they are facing. Survey research design was used in this study. A set of questionnaire was used as a tool for data collection, which was distributed to 40 secondary level students of Saptari district. The data collected from the questionnaire were analyzed in descriptively. Findings revealed significant challenges for Tharu learners in pronunciation, spelling, and understanding homographs and homophones. They employ mnemonic devices, group study sessions, acronyms, and rhymes. Teachers recommend extensive reading, flashcards, speaking practice, vocabulary diaries, and English media. Students mix Nepali, Hindi, and Tharu in conversations and use diverse reading materials, focusing on word formation. They utilize speaking practice, reading aloud, dictionaries, and mobile apps. Strategies for learning new words include writing sentences, studying spelling, and saying words aloud, with less emphasis on physical actions. Bilingual dictionaries and identifying parts of speech are common, while monolingual dictionaries are less used. Students often seek help from teachers and classmates, focusing on understanding vocabulary in context, influenced by their first language. This study comprises altogether five chapters. The first chapter is introductory part which includes background of the study, statement of the problems, objectives of the study, research questions, significance of the study, delimitations of the study and operational definition of the key terms. Similarly, second chapter includes the review of theoretical and empirical literature and its implications as well as the conceptual framework. In the same way, third chapter presents with the method and procedures of the study under which design of the study, population, sample and sampling strategy, research tools, data collection procedures, data analysis and interpretation procedures as well as ethical considerations are mentioned. Likewise, fourth chapter comprises analysis and interpretation of results, and summary of findings. Fifth chapter includes conclusion and recommendations. Finally, the references and appendices are included.