The Study of Iranian EFL Learners’ Mental Lexicon through Word Association Tests
Abstract: This study intended
to peek into Iranian EFL learners’ metal lexicon through word association tests
(WATs). 31 male and female EFL learners
studying at Bonab and Marageh language institutes participated in this study. A
WAT comprised of 8
English words adopted
from Roux’s (2013)
word list administered
to the participants.
The results analyzed and
interpreted according to both WA conventional classification and Fitzpatrick’s
framework. Within conventional
classification (syntagmatic, paradigmatic,
and clang), the
results confirmed the
syntagmatic to paradigmatic change
hypothesis (S→P) only between
intermediate and upper-intermediate
levels. The results
also indicated that low
intermediate learners besides other conventional factors, associate words based on phonological and
orthographical relations. Within Fitzpatrick’s framework, the results indicated
that learners generally associate words according to meaning and position
across all proficiency levels. However, at low-intermediate level the rate of meaning-based
association overwhelms position-based association.
Form-based association and
erratic association drew the
least attention of
the participants respectively.
Finally, pedagogical implication
of this study along with further research idea is
discussed.
Key words: conventional
classification, Fitzpatrick’s framework, mental lexicon, word association test
Author: Farid Ghaemi, Shahram
Halimi Passand
Journal Code: jppsikologiperkembangangg150001
