Vocabulary learning strategies used by learners of Arabic language in CFS, IIUM and their beliefs on vocabulary learning

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating vocabulary learning strategies (VLS) employed by Arabic language learners in the Centre for Foundation Studies, International Islamic University Malaysia (CFSIIUM) in learning Arabic vocabulary and the learners’ beliefs about learning Arabic vocabulary. Additionally, this study further attempted to explore the significant differences of the VLS used by students of CFSIIUM in learning Arabic vocabulary, as well as learners’ beliefs on learning Arabic vocabulary. Finally, it sought to examine the relationship between learners’ beliefs on memorization of Arabic vocabulary and VLS used in memorizing new vocabulary, and learners’ belief on practicing new Arabic vocabulary learnt and VLS used in practicing new Arabic vocabulary. The research design used was quantitative, which utilized a survey outline as the method of data collection through questionnaire. The respondents were 282 CFSIIUM Arabic language learners of two major groups: Arabic major courses students (AMCS) and non – Arabic major courses students (NAMCS). The study used a simple descriptive statistical analyses consisting of frequency, percentile and means to analyze the collected data. In addition, inferential statistical analyses consist of t-test and Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient was also utilized in data analysis procedures. The present study revealed that CFSIIUM Arabic language learners were familiar with all seven VLS categories. Feedbacks from the respondents further suggested they commonly used different VLS to discover the word meaning and to consolidate vocabulary learning. Moreover, their beliefs on vocabulary learning were found to be distinctive, nonetheless both groups agreed that Arabic vocabulary is unsuitable to be learned through memorization alone.