An investigation of Vocabulary Learning Strategies Used by Fezzan University Students

الملخص

This study aimed to investigate the vocabulary learning strategies used by learners of
English as foreign ( EFL) at Fezzan University, Libya. The study attempted to find out the most
frequently used strategies for learning vocabulary of English language. A sample of 24 students
majoring in English participated in the study. A questionnaire based on Schmitt’s (1997)
taxonomy of vocabulary learning strategies was used for data collection. The questionnaire
investigated five strategy categories; determination, memory, cognitive, metacognitive, and
social. The analysis of the study data show that most participants use cognitive and
metacognitive strategies. These strategies are: watching English movies, listening to English
songs, repeating words aloud, and keeping vocabulary notebooks. Determination strategies,
particularly bilingual dictionary use, were also used frequently. Most participants rarely use
memory and social strategies such as using semantic maps, flashcards, or engaging in
vocabulary-related peer interaction. These results suggest that learners rely on practical and
familiar techniques. It also asserts that many effective strategies remain unexplored by the
university students. The study concluded that student should be explicitly trained on how to use a
variety of vocabulary learning strategies to enhance vocabulary development.