A semantic network approach to second language vocabulary learning and its implementation in a computerized lexical database

This dissertation proposes a semantic network approach to second language vocabulary learning, and discusses its implementation in a computerized lexical database. A semantic network approach to vocabulary learning incorporates semantic fields theory and frame or schema theory into the representation of vocabulary. The approach posits that new words be represented within their network of semantic and thematic relations in a network structure that reflects the associative nature of the mental lexicon and the relationships among various semantic and thematic relations within the semantic network. The issues covered include: the representation of a semantic network, the presentational structure, the components of the semantic network for words of different grammatical categories, the number of words in the presentation, the selection and ordering of words in the presentation, the use of visual aids and the role of concordance. An actual program, CONCEPT, is constructed to illustrate the implementation of a semantic network approach to second language vocabulary learning in a computerized lexical database.U of I OnlyETDs are only available to UIUC Users without author permissio