Lexical Richness and Features in the Journal Entries of L2 Learners

Abstract

Lexical richness is a measure of the quality of the language production in oral or written by the language user. It reflects how well a person can utilize diverse and sophisticated vocabulary in their communication. The level of lexical richness is often associated with effectivity and nuanced communication, enabling language users to express thoughts using their acquired lexicons. This study aimed to determine the extent of lexical richness and the features of journal entries of the L2 learners. Mixed method research design was utilized in this study to quantify and describe the lexical richness of L2 learners. To know the extent of the lexical richness of the journal entries of L2 learners the lexical density, diversity, and sophistication were determined using the lexical frequency profile of Laufer & Nation, (1995). The result was interpreted using the lexical density level scale of Ure (1971) and the AG scale of Naismith, et.al (2018) for lexical diversity and lexical sophistication. The findings revealed that the L2 learners’ journal entries are low in lexical richness with an average of 27.70. Moreover, the journal entries featured a high percentage of high-frequency and basic lexicons which implies that the entries are easy to understand because the lexicons are common. Likewise, the entries consist of a high proportion of nouns which indicates that L2 learners have limited acquired descriptive words in L2. Therefore, regular language assessment per grade level may be conducted to track the progress of L2 learners in L2. Likewise, L2 learners may be given continuous exposure to diverse texts from different disciplines, featuring varying lexical levels.