
Are there acknowledged studies about the relationship of vocabulary and comprehension of English language?
1 Expert Answer
English comprehension is a widely varied subject. The amount of words, correct use of the words (including conjugation) and being to understand words in context is would be a better measurement of fluency than just knowing a bunch of words.
If we consider that the average native English speaker knows 20,000 words and actively use about 5,000 (I believe that is a high estimate). https://www.bellenglish.com/news/how-many-words-do-you-know . If you were to able as second language to actively use 3000 words, including the info I mention previously, you probably are fluent enough for daily life and working in an unspecialized profession. This is my opinion based on 20 years of teaching data, not the science of linguistics. http://iteslj.org/Articles/Cervatiuc-VocabularyAcquisition.html .
I hope this helps with your journey.
I would be curious to know
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Tracy O.
I have a student who struggles with reading comprehension and so far building up his vocabulary has really helped him comprehend what he reads. However, I don't know if just teaching vocabulary is the end all and be all of comprehension. I personally had a hard time with reading comprehension in high school/college reading material. I have an above average vocabulary. However, after thinking about the concepts later in life has deepened my level of what those books had to offer. Thus, sometimes life experiences can really make a difference especially when the circumstances are extreme. My rule of thumb, at least in my opinion, is if you truly "get" the books message it changes you and your perspective. I knew "smarter" students than myself where they understood the message but it never changed their outlook on life. Therefore, whatever the message is of the book/story, if it doesn't affect you in some way, you are not really comprehending the message. Likewise, if the message you get from the book is not the same as anyone else's message that to me is fine. It's how a book affects you whatever message you get that matters. As a friend once told me," Books don't win wars," but they can affect war outcomes. Take it or leave it this is my answer to your question:)...05/27/19