SOCIAL CONTEXTS OF LANGUAGE INPUT : ENHANCING VOCABULARY ACQUISITION THROUGH RECEPTIVE SKILLS IN ALGERIAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS EFL CLASSROOM

Abstract: Prior to recent advancements in language teaching, language instruction has often given a greater emphasis on grammar over vocabulary and other linguistic components represented throughout materials and curricula. However, recent research has increasingly recognized vocabulary as a crucial and dynamic element of language acquisition and instruction. In this context, the main aim of this study is to explore effective strategies for teaching vocabulary through reading and listening to EFL (English as a Foreign Language) learners, and draws on EFL teachers’ experience from different Algerian secondary schools, exactly in Naama. In addition, it aims at emphasizing vocabulary building to reinforce learners’ linguistic repertoire responding to the recent EMI (English as a medium of instruction) policy at Algerian university. Thus, to gain insights into teachers and students’ practices, data were collected through a questionnaire administered to students and a semi-structured interview with teachers. Those research tools also aimed to discover the challenges encountered in this process. The findings have testified for the significant role receptive skills play in vocabulary building when they comply with adequate social contexts. Moreover, the results point out that one of the most substantial fact faced by teachers is the students’ varying level of proficiency, which often makes the process of enhancing vocabulary through receptive input difficult. Nevertheless, regarding lack of resources and other challenges, teachers strive to implement effective strategies as using contextual clues in pre-teaching vocabulary, and integrating vocabulary practice into post-reading tasks. Ultimately, the study concludes that the appropriate supportive strategies used in vocabulary instruction through receptive skills significantly improves comprehension and sustains overall production in EFL communicative practices, especially due to the exposure to English in Academic settings as well as social milieus. Keywords: vocabulary - reading and listening – EFL – Challenges – Strategies