STAGES OF VOCABULARY DEVELOPMENT IN FIRST VS. SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNERS

Abstract

Vocabulary development is a central component of language acquisition and
communication. This study explores and compares the stages of vocabulary development in first
language (L1) and second language (L2) learners. The research emphasizes developmental stages,
cognitive factors, instructional strategies, and the impact of age and environment. L1 vocabulary
is typically acquired unconsciously through immersion, while L2 vocabulary acquisition often
requires intentional learning, strategy use, and structured input. The comparison reveals
pedagogical implications for differentiated instruction in multilingual settings, supporting more
effective language teaching methods tailored to learners’ linguistic backgrounds and
developmental needs.