#14 Increasing Word Understanding: The Vocabulary Audio CD

Tip: If you are serious about increasing word understanding, then we highly recommend you try the popular program, Ultimate Vocabulary. Click Ultimate Vocabulary for more information.*

Increasing our word vocabulary can generate both direct and indirect benefits. Direct advantages may include writing more effectively and greater understanding of vocabulary in an exam situation. Indirect benefits can consist of building self-confidence and being held in higher esteem by coworkers and fellow students. Whatever the desired outcome, developing your vocabulary can improve your life.

There are many methods available to those who wish to improve their vocabulary. In this day and age, none are more effective than vocabulary software and the use of audio strategies. It is consistently reported that using and hearing words in context is an effective way of improving vocabulary (Tsuguhiko and Manning, 2007). One example of this type of software is Ultimate Vocabulary’s products that comprise over 20,000 audio pronunciations. The vocabulary audio CD consists of high quality accent-neutral pronunciations and is a recording of a real human voice (as opposed to computer generated). This will ensure that you always know how to say a word the right way.

So why is audio so important when trying to increase your vocabulary? The correct pronunciation of a word can assist learners by guiding their spelling and inferring meanings. If pronunciation is correct, learners are able to break the word into syllables and look for the foundation word. There may also be patterns in the word that are identified when it is said correctly, such as consonants, vowels, suffixes, or prefixes.

Other the other hand, if we do not hear the correct pronunciation, it is more difficult to deduce spelling and meanings. Our verbal vocabulary is considerably less sophisticated than our written vocabulary. As such, we need to be surrounded in environments that introduce us to new words and where they are put into context. Not only does this help with the amount of words we recognise or identify, but it also assists with building our in-depth word knowledge.

It is not just important we listen to words; it is also important that we are able to hear, synthesise, and vocalise the meanings of these words. That is, we are able to analyse the word meanings and create in-depth understandings by producing it in alternative ways (after having actively processed it).

Another method for increasing verbal vocabulary is that of practice and repetition (Turner and Williams, 2007). Vocabulary audio software allows the learner to do this. Everyone has experienced reading or listening to a new word and understanding its meaning at the time; however, upon later exposure, it has been forgotten. Repeating the word in different usages and diverse contexts can enhance word knowledge.

Listening in environments where rich and quality vocabulary is being spoken in context is another way of increasing word knowledge. Vocabulary Audio CDs provide an extremely useful method of listening to a wide range of words that the learner might not otherwise be in contact with in their day-to-day lives. Audio CDs also provide correct pronunciations and promote word understanding.

References

Tsuguhiko, K, and Manning, M, ‘Content Knowledge-The Real Reading Crisis’ (2007) 83(4) Childhood Education 238.

Turner, H, and Williams, RL, ‘Vocabulary Development and Performance on Multiple-Choice Exams in Large Entry-level Courses’ (2007) 37(2) Journal of College Reading and Learning 64.