Word Tree Family

Introduction to Vocabulary
Vocabulary forms an integral part of the process of reading and readers’

comprehension. It refers to the words needed for communicating effectively. It
implies receptive vocabulary and expressive vocabulary. Receptive vocabulary
refers to the words that we hear and read while expressive vocabulary implies
the words that we speak and write. It is rightly said that without vocabulary, it is
not possible to convey anything. A broader idea of vocabulary is discussed
below.
Vocabulary Definition
Vocabulary is denoted as “the group and collection of words that are known and
used by a particular person”. It can also be defined as “a list or collection of
words or phrases that are normally alphabetically arranged and defined or
explained”.
Vocabulary is also commonly called wordstock.
Importance of Vocabulary
Vocabulary is an essential part of anyone’s life and the following points describe
the importance of vocabulary.
1. Vocabulary is critical for communication and expression
2. Vocabulary forms the basis of reading comprehension
3. For conveying anything, vocabulary is important
What is Vocabulary in English?

The answer to 'what is vocabulary in English?' is all the words that form a
language to be understood by a specific person or maybe a group of people.
Vocabulary in English can be categorized into two types, namely- active and
passive. The words that we use and understand in day-to-day language are
termed as active vocabulary while the ones which we know but use rarely are
said to be passive vocabulary.
Three Tiers of Vocabulary
Vocabulary is described with the following three tiers:
1. Basic Vocabulary
The basic words form the first tier of vocabulary. These words normally
have a single meaning and do not require instruction. Early reading words,
sight words, adjectives, verbs, nouns, etc are portrayed in this tier.
High-frequency Vocabulary
Also called the multiple meaning vocabulary tier. this tier comprises words
used in a variety of domains, adult communication, literature, etc. It
influences reading and speaking.
The characteristics for tier two words are as follows:
 It has multiple meanings
 Vital for reading comprehension
 Typical mature language
3. Low-frequency Vocabulary
The words that are used only when specifically required or in a particular
domain like weather, technology, geographical region, hobbies, school,
etc. comprise this tier.
Types of Vocabulary
The types of vocabulary can be categorized based on spoken and written
vocabulary. Children start vocabulary-building through listening and speaking
even before writing and reading. Every type of vocabulary has a different aim and
purpose. However, the development of one type of vocabulary facilitates another.
The types of vocabulary are discussed below briefly.

1. Listening Vocabulary
Listening vocabulary comprises words that we understand through
hearing. An infant may start recognizing some words when he cannot
speak. Learning new words is a continuous process, and by the time you
reach adulthood, almost fifty thousand words are understood and
recognized by you. Deaf people can be exposed to visual listening
vocabulary for learning.
2. Speaking Vocabulary
Speaking vocabulary consists of words that we actually speak. It has a
horizon of around 5000 to 10000 words. These are used for giving
instructions and conversations. The number of words in this category are
comparatively lesser than the listening vocabulary.
3. Reading Vocabulary
The major ingredient of vocabulary building is reading. Reading grows and
develops your vocabulary. The words we get to learn while reading a text
are termed as reading vocabulary. It may happen that we understand
words through reading vocabulary even if we don’t use it in speaking
vocabulary.
4. Writing Vocabulary
Words we recoup while expressing ourselves through writing are termed
as writing vocabulary. Writing vocabulary is normally influenced by the
words we are able to spell. We find it easy to express verbally, through
facial expression, or intonation, but writing vocabulary depends upon our
expertise in vocabulary.
5. Final Vocabulary
Richard Rorty discovered this term ‘Final Vocabulary’. It is a collection, set,
or group of words that every person applies to justify their actions, beliefs,
and lives. Final vocabulary comprises words a person avails to praise,
express deep feelings, hopes, doubts, etc.

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Introduction to Vocabulary

Vocabulary forms an integral part of the process of reading and readers’

What is Vocabulary in English?

The types of vocabulary are discussed below briefly.

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